IbuprofenOver the counter

Pronounced eye-byoo-PRO-fen

Brand names: Advil, Motrin

Type: NSAID pain reliever · All Pain Relief & Fever Medicines

What Ibuprofen is used for

  • Pain relief
  • Fever reduction
  • Inflammation and swelling
  • Menstrual pain

◆ Kidney note

Can reduce kidney blood flow and cause kidney injury, especially with dehydration, kidney disease, or when combined with water pills and blood pressure medicines.

Common side effects

  • Stomach upset
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

Important cautions

  • Can cause stomach and intestinal bleeding, especially in older adults and with alcohol or blood thinners
  • Can raise blood pressure and worsen heart failure
  • Avoid in the later part of pregnancy

How it comes

Tablets, capsules, liquid, chewable tablets. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Toxicity lists: Ibuprofen also appears on Medicines That Can Harm the Kidneys.

Related medicines — Pain Relief & Fever Medicines

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.