Ibuprofen
Key facts
- Ibuprofen is a type of anti-inflammatory pain relief medicine.
- It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (also known as NSAIDs).
- Ibuprofen can be used for the short-term relief of fever, pain and inflammation.
- Ibuprofen is available with or without a prescription in different forms, including liquid, tablets and capsules.
- Ibuprofen isn't suitable for everyone, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a type of pain relief medicine that treats fever and mild or moderate pain caused by inflammation.
It belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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How does ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen works by blocking chemicals in your body called prostaglandins. These chemicals trigger the feeling of pain and cause inflammation and fever.
By blocking prostaglandins, ibuprofen helps reduce pain and inflammation, as well as bring down a fever.
What is ibuprofen used for?
Ibuprofen can be used to treat:
- fever
- mild to moderate pain
- inflammation (swelling and redness)
Ibuprofen provides temporary relief.
It may help reduce symptoms of many different types of pain, including:
- headache (including migraine or tension headache)
- toothache and pain after dental procedures
- sinus pain, sore throat and pain related to colds and flu
- backache and muscular aches and pains
- period pain
- arthritis and joint pain
Read more about pain medicines for your baby or child.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What forms of ibuprofen are available?
Ibuprofen is available in different:
- brands
- forms (such as tablets, capsules and liquids)
- doses
- packaging
- pack sizes
Some products combine ibuprofen with other medicines. If you are taking more than one pain reliever, check the labels to make sure they don't both contain ibuprofen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure.
Ibuprofen is available without a prescription.
Learn more about giving pain medicines such as ibuprofen to babies and children.
Read more about getting the most out of your pharmacist.
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What are the possible side effects or risks of ibuprofen?
You can lower your chance of side effects and risks by taking lower doses for as short a time as possible.
Side effects
All medicines can have side effects, but not everyone gets them. Side effects of ibuprofen may include:
- abdominal (tummy) pain or discomfort
- nausea
- heartburn or indigestion
- headache
- dizziness
This is not a full list of side effects. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or check the consumer medicine information leaflet in your medicine packaging.
Risks
More serious effects may include:
- stomach ulcers — which may bleed
- kidney problems
- high blood pressure
- fluid retention or swelling in your ankles
- breathing problems in people with asthma
- bleeding or blood clots
Your risk may be higher if:
- you are over 65 years of age
- you take certain medicines, such as other pain relievers, steroids, some types of blood pressure medicines or blood thinning medicines such as aspirin
- you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding from your digestive tract in the past
- you have asthma
Ibuprofen, like other NSAIDs, can also make heart, liver or kidney disease worse. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if ibuprofen is safe for you before taking it.
How do I take ibuprofen?
Take ibuprofen exactly as directed on the package. The dose depends on your age and the product form (such as tablets or liquid).
Follow the dosage instructions carefully, including:
- how much to take
- how often to take it
- the maximum daily dose
If you get an upset stomach, it's a good idea to take ibuprofen with food.
It is generally not recommended to take ibuprofen during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or midwife about whether you can take ibuprofen when you are pregnant.
Ibuprofen is generally safe to take while breastfeeding. Only small amounts pass into breast milk. Always check with your doctor, pharmacist or maternal child health nurse before taking any medicine while breastfeeding.
Giving ibuprofen to children
The ibuprofen dose for children is based on their age and weight. Always follow the instructions on the label.
Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 3 months of age. Always read the label to check that the product you are using is suitable for your child's age.
If you are using a liquid, check if the bottle needs to be shaken before use. Measure each dose carefully using the supplied measuring device, if one is provided.
Read more about medicines for babies and children.
Are there alternatives to ibuprofen?
If you have fever or mild to moderate pain, ask your pharmacist if another medicine, such as paracetamol, may be suitable instead of ibuprofen.
If your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medicine.
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if you have any side effects of ibuprofen. You should also see your doctor if you find that ibuprofen isn't relieving your pain or fever.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen if you:
- are at higher risk of side effects
- take a medicine that may affect how your body reacts to ibuprofen
- are pregnant
See the consumer medicine information leaflet for more details about when to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before or after you have started taking ibuprofen.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care if you notice:
- severe abdominal (tummy) pain
- blood in your vomit
- black stools
- swollen ankles
- signs of an allergic reaction
If you think you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, use the adrenaline autoinjector immediately. Then call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Follow an ASCIA allergy action plan, if you have one.
If you or someone else is having trouble breathing, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
If you need to see your doctor but cannot wait for an appointment, you may be able to get treatment at a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Use the Service Finder to find your nearest one.
Resources and support
NPS MedicineWise explains medicines for pain relief, including ibuprofen, and how to use them safely.
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has information about pain relief medicines for children, including ibuprofen.
You can also visit the healthdirect list of medicines that contain ibuprofen to read the consumer medicine information leaflet for each brand.
Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.
Languages other than English
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has translated information about pain relief medicines for children, including ibuprofen.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) provides translated information about using medicines safely.
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has information about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: March 2026
