Last updated : April 20, 2018
Ibuprofen is a pharmaceutical drug that is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Ibuprofen is used to treat a number of conditions including:
Some people misuse ibuprofen by intentionally taking more than the recommended dose in a mistaken attempt to get high, or as an act of self-harm.
Ibuprofen is usually swallowed and comes in different forms including:
Ibuprofen may also be known by its brand or trade names. Some common examples include:
Generic name | Brand names |
---|---|
Ibuprofen | Brufen®, Nurofen® |
Ibuprofen and codeine | Nurofen Plus® |
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk – even medications can produce unwanted side effects. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
Ibuprofen affects everyone differently, based on:
The most common side effects of ibuprofen are:
NSAIDs such ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with or without heart disease or the risk factors for heart disease.2
If you take more than the recommended dose, you could overdose. If you have any of the symptoms below, call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000).
Regular use of ibuprofen may eventually cause the following effects. It’s best to discuss the side effects of long term use with a medical practitioner.
The effects of taking ibuprofen with other drugs, including alcohol, prescription medications and other over-the-counter medicines, are often unpredictable.
Ibuprofen taken with alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation and discomfort.1
Ibuprofen can alter the effects of some blood pressure medicines and may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with medicines such as warfarin.1
abdominal pain, ankle swelling, bladder irritation, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, drowsiness, eye irritation, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, nausea, restless sleep, ringing ears, sweating, tingling in hands and feet, treats arthritis, treats fever, treats gout, treats inflammation, treats mild pain, treats moderate pain, vomiting.