{"id":61468,"date":"2023-11-13T09:30:24","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T14:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61468"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:26:44","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:26:44","slug":"how-long-does-it-take-for-ibuprofen-to-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-for-ibuprofen-to-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does it take ibuprofen to work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (<\/span>NSAID<\/span><\/a>) that is available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription in higher doses. Commonly referred to by brand names <\/span>Advil<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Motrin<\/span><\/a>, ibuprofen works by reducing hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation in the body. After administration, you should start feeling relief from symptoms as quickly as 20-30 minutes—depending on the form of medication you take and what you’re treating. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen is often taken for discomforts such as period pain, fever, <\/span>rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/a>, back pain, and migraines. The time it takes for ibuprofen to work depends on the formulation, the route of administration, and whether you’re treating pain, fever, or inflammation. Here’s what to expect.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does it take for ibuprofen to work? <\/span><\/h2>\n

“After taking ibuprofen, someone should have relief or at least an easing of their pain or fever within 20 to 30 minutes,” says <\/span>Barbara Bawer<\/span><\/a>, MD, family medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “It does this by decreasing prostaglandin production, chemicals that trigger pain, fever, and inflammation in the body.” If you are taking ibuprofen for conditions caused by inflammation, it can take a couple of weeks for full relief. <\/span><\/p>\n

How quickly ibuprofen works is also impacted by the type you are taking:<\/span><\/p>\n