Medicine Highlight
Uses | 1- To treat different kinds of pain 2- To treat fever |
Common side effects | 1- Abdominal pain 2- Acid or sour stomach 3- Belching 4- Bloating 5- Cloudy urine 6- Decrease in the amount of urine |
Additional information | Avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco with this medicine |
Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Ibuprofen Summary
Ibuprofen 200 mg is taken orally and belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class of medicine. It is approved for the treatment of headaches, migraine, nerve pain, toothache, period pain, arthritis, muscle pain, and fever.You should take this medicine as instructed by your doctor, either before or after meals or before or after sleep. Side effects of this medicine may include abdominal pain, acidity, farting, bloating, etc. Do not stop taking this medicine unless advised by your doctor.Inform your doctor if you have liver disease or are pregnant, as they may prescribe an alternative medication in such cases.
Ibuprofen Uses
Ibuprofen 200 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) medicines. It is used for the following indications:
- Headache, migraine, nerve pain,
- Toothache
- Periods pain,
- Arthritis and muscle aches
- Fever (Pyrexia)
Direction for use
- Take ibuprofen exactly as your doctor prescribes, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking ibuprofen without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Ibuprofen Side Effects
More common
- Abdominal pain
- Acid or sour stomach
- Belching
- Bloating
- Cloudy urine
- Decrease in the amount of urine
- Decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- Excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
- Full feeling
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Itching skin
- Pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
- Pale skin
- Passing gas
- Nausea
- Noisy, rattling breathing
- Rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of face, fingers, hands, feet, lower legs, or ankles
- Troubled breathing at rest
- Troubled breathing with exertion
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
Less common
- Abdominal cramps
- Stomach soreness or discomfort
How Ibuprofen Works
Ibuprofen works as a pain reliever (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic) by inhibiting the action of a protein called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is responsible for causing pain and fever.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 Liver Disease
Ibuprofen can cause liver injury. If you have liver disease, inform your doctor so they can prescribe an alternative medicine.
📌 Pregnancy
In 2020, the FDA issued a caution stating that using ibuprofen after 20 weeks of pregnancy can harm the fetal renal system. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor accordingly.
Ibuprofen Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking ibuprofen 200 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Ibuprofen Interaction with Food Products
Ibuprofen does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of the medicine.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Ibuprofen Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
(RS)-2-(4-(2-methyl propyl)phenyl)propanoic acid

Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily dose
Take ibuprofen exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
A dose exceeding 3200 mg per day is considered an overdose and can be lethal. Symptoms of an overdose include seizures, breathlessness, high blood pressure, and liver dysfunction.
FAQ’s
1. Will ibuprofen make you sleepy?
➡️ One of the common side effects of ibuprofen is sleepiness. Therefore, yes, it can cause sleepiness.
2. Can ibuprofen be taken on an empty stomach?
➡️ Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining; therefore, it should be taken after a meal.
3. Can ibuprofen and paracetamol be taken together?
➡️ Yes, it is safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol.
4. How much ibuprofen can I take in a day?
➡️ The usual dose for an adult is 200 mg twice a day, and it should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
References
- British Heart Foundation. Top questions about painkillers [Internet]. London: British Heart Foundation; c2024 [cited 2024 Dec 31]. Available from.
- NHS. Taking ibuprofen with other medicines and herbal supplements [Internet]. London: NHS; c2024 [cited 2024 Dec 31]. Available from.
- Ngo VTH, Bajaj T. Ibuprofen. [Updated 2024 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Ibuprofen (oral route): description [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; c2024 [cited 2024 Dec 31]. Available from.