Ibuprofen

What is ibuprofen?

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:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Severe pain (when combined with codeine)
• Fever
• Swollen, red and tender tissues (inflammation)
• Rheumatoid arthritis, back pain and gout (in conjunction with physiotherapy)¹

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:

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Suppositories
• Soluble powders
• Liquids¹

Other names

Ibuprofen may also be known by its brand or trade names. Some common examples include:

Effects of ibuprofen

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:

• Size, weight and health
• Whether the person is used to taking it
• Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• The amount taken

Side effects

The most common side effects of ibuprofen are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness, fatigue and restless sleep
• Thirst and sweating
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurred vision and eye irritation
• Fluid retention and ankle swelling
• Mild allergic reaction
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhoea and constipation
• Bladder irritation and pain, frequent urination^1,2

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

Overdose

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).

• Confusion and disorientation
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
• Vomiting blood that may look like coffee grounds and bowel motions that look like black tar
• Severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the face
• Kidney and liver problems
• Seizures
• Coma and death¹

Long-term effects

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.

• Kidney and liver damage
• Bleeding in the stomach and bowels
• Increased risk of heart attack¹

Using ibuprofen with other drugs

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