Ibuprofen: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. It is commonly used for headaches, muscle and joint pain, menstrual pain, dental pain, and minor fever.
Use ibuprofen only as directed on the label or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid exceeding the recommended dose, and ask a healthcare professional before use if you have major health conditions or take other medicines.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M01AE01
- Generic
- Ibuprofen
- Class
- nsaid
- Brands
- Advil, Motrin
- Availability
- behind_counter
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 2
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- oral, topical
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, gel
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- renal-function, gastrointestinal, blood-pressure
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 400mg every 4-6 hours as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4-6 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5-10mg/kg/dose every 6-8 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg every 6-8 hours as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; use lowest effective dose for shortest duration
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use unless benefits outweigh risks; use lowest effective dose for shortest duration
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
do not use in third trimester due to risk of premature closure of ductus arteriosus
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
ibuprofen is considered compatible with breastfeeding; use lowest effective dose
no specific monitoring required
pediatric_age
infants 6 months to 12 yearsweight-based dosing required
use pediatric formulation; do not exceed recommended dose; avoid in children with dehydration
monitor for GI symptoms, renal function with prolonged use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart with lower dose, reduce maximum dose
use lowest effective dose for shortest duration; monitor renal function; consider concomitant use of proton pump inhibitor for GI protection
regular monitoring of renal function, GI symptoms, blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose, monitor renal function
use with caution; start at lowest effective dose; avoid in severe renal impairment
regular monitoring of renal function (creatinine clearance, BUN)
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid completely
do not use in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min)
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose, use with caution
use with caution; start at lowest effective dose; avoid in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy