What is Ibuprofen: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Ibuprofen

• How to take over-the-counter ibuprofen tablets and capsules

  • Follow the dosing directions on the medicine label.

  • Do not take more than directed. 

  • Do not take more than six pills in a 24-hour period unless told to do so by a healthcare provider.

  • Use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.

  • Drink a glass of water when taking tablets or capsules.

  • Take the dose with a glass of milk or food to prevent stomach problems.

  • Store at room temperature protected from high heat and high humidity.

• How to take prescription ibuprofen

  • Follow all instructions when taking this medicine.

  • This medicine should include an NSAID Medication Guide. If it’s missing, a pharmacist can provide one.

  • Do not take more than prescribed or more often than prescribed.

  • Drink a glass of water when taking tablets.

  • Take the tablets with food to avoid gastrointestinal distress.

  • Store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat.

• How to administer ibuprofen chewable tablets

  • Low-dose chewable tablets are formulated for children 2–11 years old (24–95 pounds).

  • Do not give chewable tablets to children younger than 2 years of age except under the direction of a doctor.

  • Only give this medicine as needed.

  • Use the dosing table printed on the package or insert to find the right dose for your child.

  • Do not give more than the recommended dose.

  • Doses can be given every 6–8 hours.

  • Do not give more than four doses a day.

  • The child should completely chew the tablet before swallowing.

  • When done, have the child drink water.

  • Give chewable tablets with food or a glass of milk to prevent stomach problems.

• How to administer ibuprofen oral suspension

  • Low-dose ibuprofen oral suspension is formulated for infants.

  • Only give this medicine if needed.

  • Choose the appropriate formulation for your child: 50 mg/1.25 mL for children younger than 2 years of age and 100 mg/5 mL for children ages 2–11.

  • Use the dosing table printed on the package or insert to find the appropriate dose for your child.

  • Do not exceed the recommended dose.

  • Doses can be given every 6–8 hours.

  • Do not exceed four doses in a day.

  • Shake the bottle well before measuring out a dose.

  • Use the calibrated syringe or medicine cup that came with the medication to measure out a dose. Do not use kitchen utensils or tableware.

  • Give this medicine with food or a glass of milk to prevent stomach problems.

  • Store at room temperature. Do not freeze

What to do if you miss a dose of Ibuprofen

• OTC ibuprofen is taken when needed. If a dose is forgotten, take it when remembered. After that, do not take another dose for at least four hours.

• If prescription ibuprofen is prescribed on an as-needed basis, take a missed dose when remembered. Use the dosage instructions on the bottle to determine how long you need to wait before taking the next dose.

• If a dose of prescription ibuprofen is prescribed on a dosing schedule, ask the prescriber for advice on taking a missed dose.

Ibuprofen contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use ibuprofen if you have had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to ibuprofen, aspirin, or another NSAID.

• Ibuprofen is not to be used before or after heart surgery.

Ibuprofen warnings

• Use OTC ibuprofen cautiously. 

  • Take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

  • If OTC ibuprofen does not relieve pain in 10 days or fever in 3 days, contact a doctor.

• Because of possible side effects, healthcare providers are urged to prescribe the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

  • The healthcare provider may require regular blood tests to make sure ibuprofen treatment is not causing problems. Keep all appointments. 

• Ibuprofen increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and edema. 

• Ibuprofen can cause serious gastrointestinal problems including ulcers, bleeding, and perforation of the stomach, esophagus, or intestines.

• NSAIDs like ibuprofen may cause severe allergic or skin reactions. If a reaction occurs, stop taking ibuprofen immediately and contact your doctor.

• Before using ibuprofen, ask a doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Heart disease

  • Recent heart attack

  • Heart failure

  • History of ulcers

  • History of gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Asthma

  • High blood pressure

  • Blood vessel problems

  • Bleeding problems 

  • Dehydration

  • Pregnancy or plans to get pregnant

  • Breastfeeding

• Ibuprofen can cause

  • Kidney damage

  • Liver damage

  • High blood pressure

  • High potassium

  • Anemia

• Ibuprofen can delay ovulation in women.

• Because of possible risks to an unborn child, NSAIDs should not be taken after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Your headaches may become worse if you use an NSAID for 10 or more days per month. Write down how often your headaches occur and how often you use this medicine.

Ibuprofen interactions

• Because of possible drug interactions, tell healthcare providers you are using this medicine.

• Avoid taking other NSAIDs such as aspirin or naproxen. The prescription NSAID ketorolac should never be combined with ibuprofen.

• Avoid alcohol when taking ibuprofen. Having three or more drinks daily increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal side effects.

• Other medications that may cause problems with ibuprofen include:

  • Blood thinners

  • Blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors

  • Diuretics

  • Corticosteroids

  • Certain types of antibiotics called aminoglycoside antibiotics

  • Lithium and methotrexate