What is ibuprofen? Ibuprofen is a pain reliever, fever reducer and anti-inflammatory in the NSAID class, used for a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Headaches and migraines
- Toothache and period pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fever and inflammation
- Adults typically take 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours
- Up to 1,200 mg a day
- Take it right after food to help prevent stomach irritation
The single most important principle is to use the lowest dose that works, for the shortest time necessary.
Many people wonder about ibuprofen dosage before they take it. When Thai people think of a familiar painkiller, paracetamol usually comes to mind first. But there is another medicine that does more than just relieve pain — ibuprofen. Besides easing pain, it also reduces fever and inflammation, which paracetamol cannot do.
This article covers everything about ibuprofen — what it is, what it treats, how to take it correctly, and the precautions many people overlook.
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). In simple terms, it is a single medicine that reduces pain, fever and inflammation without needing a steroid.
It was developed in the 1960s and is now one of the most widely used medicines in the world. It comes in several forms:
- Tablets — 200 mg and 400 mg strengths (the most common form)
- Oral suspension — for children, at a concentration of 100 mg per 5 ml
- Topical gel/cream — applied directly to the painful area
In Thailand, ibuprofen must be purchased from a pharmacy with a pharmacist's guidance — it is not an over-the-counter household medicine sold at general convenience stores.
How does ibuprofen work?
When the body is injured or inflamed, it produces a substance called prostaglandins. This substance is what causes us to feel pain, swelling, redness, heat and fever.
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which the body uses to produce prostaglandins. When less of this substance is produced, pain, inflammation and fever ease as well.
This is why ibuprofen can do three things at once — relieve pain, reduce fever and fight inflammation — while paracetamol can only relieve pain and reduce fever.
What can ibuprofen treat?
Thanks to ibuprofen's 3-in-1 action, it can be used for a wide range of symptoms:
General pain
- Mild to moderate headaches and migraines
- Toothache and pain after a tooth extraction
- Muscle pain from exercise or heavy lifting
- Back and lower-back pain
Specific types of pain
- Period pain — ibuprofen works especially well here, because it directly reduces prostaglandin production in the uterine lining, the main cause of cramping pain
- Joint inflammation — both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, helping reduce joint pain and swelling
- Pain after minor surgery — helps control pain and inflammation
Fever reduction
- Used to reduce fever in both children and adults. Studies have found that ibuprofen reduces fever better than paracetamol in some cases
💡 Want to know more? Read the in-depth article → What can ibuprofen 400 mg treat? Uses many people do not know
How to take ibuprofen correctly and safely
The single most important principle for taking ibuprofen is "use the lowest dose that works, for the shortest time necessary."
For adults and children aged 12 and over
| Detail | Dose |
|---|---|
| Dose per time | 200–400 mg |
| Frequency | Every 4–6 hours |
| Maximum daily dose (self-care) | 1,200 mg |
| Maximum daily dose (doctor-prescribed) | 2,400 mg |
| Continuous use | No more than 10 days |
For children aged 6 months – 12 years
| Detail | Dose |
|---|---|
| Dose per time | 5–10 mg per kg of body weight |
| Frequency | Every 6–8 hours |
| Maximum daily dose | 40 mg per kg of body weight |
Rules to remember:
- ✅ Always take it right after food — to help prevent stomach irritation
- ✅ Swallow it with a full glass of water
- ❌ Never take it on an empty stomach
- ❌ Never increase the dose yourself, even if the pain continues
💡 Read more → How to take ibuprofen 400 mg correctly and safely
How fast does ibuprofen work, and how long does it last?
This is a common question, especially when the pain is already there and you want to know when relief will come.
| Timing | Detail |
|---|---|
| Onset | About 20–30 minutes after taking it |
| Peak effect | 1–2 hours |
| Duration | About 4–6 hours |
| Can repeat after | At least 4–6 hours |
Compared with paracetamol, which can start working within about 11 minutes, ibuprofen may act slightly more slowly, but its effect lasts longer and also reduces inflammation.
Ibuprofen vs paracetamol: what is the difference?
This is another common question, since both are painkillers, but they actually differ quite a bit.
| Comparison | Ibuprofen | Paracetamol |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relief | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fever reduction | ✅ | ✅ |
| Anti-inflammatory | ✅ | ❌ |
| Take on an empty stomach | ❌ Not recommended | ✅ OK |
| Effect on the stomach | Can cause irritation | Safer |
| Effect on the liver | Minimal | Toxic if overdosed |
| Continuous use | No more than 10 days | No more than 5 days |
| Best suited for | Pain + inflammation + swelling | General pain + fever |
In short:
- Plain headache with no inflammation → paracetamol is enough
- Pain with swelling, redness or inflammation (e.g. joint pain, muscle pain, period pain) → ibuprofen tends to work better
Can you take them together? A study by the Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University found that combining paracetamol with ibuprofen did not significantly increase pain relief. So there is generally no need to take them together.
💡 Read the full comparison → Ibuprofen vs paracetamol: what is the difference and which to choose
Ibuprofen side effects you should know
Like every medicine, ibuprofen has side effects to watch for, especially with high doses or long-term use.
Common side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain, burning, or indigestion
- Diarrhoea
Less common side effects:
- Dizziness and headache
- Fluid retention and raised blood pressure
- Skin rash
Serious side effects (rare but important):
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (vomiting blood, black stools)
- Kidney problems
- Heart and blood vessel problems (with prolonged high-dose use)
Who should not take ibuprofen?
Some groups should avoid ibuprofen or ask a doctor before using it:
Must not use:
- Anyone allergic to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs
- Anyone who has had asthma symptoms after taking aspirin or NSAIDs
- Anyone with a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Pregnant women in the third trimester
Ask a doctor before use:
- People with kidney or liver disease
- People with heart or blood-vessel disease, or high blood pressure
- Anyone taking blood thinners (such as warfarin)
- Older adults
- Pregnant women in the first or second trimester, and breastfeeding women
Medicines that should not be taken with ibuprofen:
- Other NSAIDs (such as aspirin or naproxen)
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Certain blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs)
- Steroid medicines
How to store ibuprofen
- Store at room temperature, not above 30°C
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not store it in the bathroom
What if I forget a dose?
If you remember soon after missing a dose, take it right away. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Never double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Summary: who is ibuprofen suitable for?
Ibuprofen is highly effective for people with pain accompanied by inflammation — whether it is period pain, muscle pain, joint pain, or pain after a tooth extraction. The key is using it correctly: always take it after food, never exceed the dose, and do not use it for too long continuously.
If you have an existing condition or are taking other medicines, always ask a doctor or pharmacist before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, taking it with milk is fine and may even help reduce stomach irritation. However, avoid highly acidic fruit juices (such as orange or lemon juice), as they may increase stomach irritation.
It is not recommended. Alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding and gastrointestinal ulcers when combined with ibuprofen. If you need to take the medicine, avoid alcohol for the duration of use.
Yes, it can. Ibuprofen may cause the body to retain more water and sodium, which can raise blood pressure. Anyone with high blood pressure should check with a doctor before using it, and should monitor their blood pressure periodically if they do.
Generally, ibuprofen does not cause drowsiness, so you can drive or work as usual after taking it. However, some people may experience mild dizziness — if that happens, avoid driving.
It is not recommended to take it beforehand as a precaution. Exercise reduces blood flow to the stomach, which raises the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, and may add extra strain on the kidneys. Take it after exercise instead, only if pain actually occurs.
It depends on the symptoms. For localised pain (such as knee or wrist pain), the topical gel is usually better because it acts directly on the area and has very little effect on the stomach. But for pain in several areas, or when fever is also present, tablets work better.
No, it is not advisable. For self-directed use, the NHS advises against taking it for more than 10 days in a row. See a doctor if pain continues after that, since long-term use raises the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney problems and heart disease.
Yes. In some cases a doctor may even prescribe an antacid or a PPI (such as omeprazole) alongside it, to help prevent stomach irritation — especially for people who need to take ibuprofen for a longer period under medical supervision.
Yes, it could. Studies have found that ibuprofen may interfere with embryo implantation and increase the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester. If you are trying to conceive or could be pregnant, choose paracetamol instead and consult a doctor.
No. Ibuprofen is not recommended for infants under 6 months old (or under 5 kg), because their kidneys are not yet fully developed. Use paracetamol instead for this age group, and always check with a doctor before giving any medicine.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. If you have any questions about your symptoms or medication, always consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
Become a member of our store to receive news and exclusive discounts.