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.