If you take more than the recommended dose, you could overdose. Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you or someone else has any of these symptoms (ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police):
- confusion and disorientation
- drowsiness
- abdominal pain
- blurred vision
- tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- diarrhea
- anxiety and paranoia
- anaemia (low red blood cell count), nausea and vomiting
- vomiting blood that may look like coffee grounds and bowel motions that look like black tar
- severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the face
- kidney and liver problems
- seizures/convulsions
- coma and death.1, 14, 5
Long-term effects
It’s best to discuss the side effects of long-term use with a medical practitioner. Regular use of ibuprofen may eventually cause:
- anaemia due to bleeding in the stomach
- impaired hearing
- kidney and liver damage
- bleeding in the stomach and bowels
- increased risk of heart attack.1
Using ibuprofen with other drugs
The effects of taking ibuprofen with other drugs, including alcohol, prescription medications and other over-the-counter medicines, are often unpredictable.
Ibuprofen taken with alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation and discomfort.1
Ibuprofen can alter the effects of some blood pressure medicines and may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with medicines such as warfarin.1
Getting help
If your use of ibuprofen is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, you can find help and support.
Call 1300 85 85 84 to speak to a real person and get answers to your questions as well as advice on practical ‘next steps’.
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Ibuprofen is a common treatment for relieving the symptoms of fever and pain.
It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Ibuprofen brand names include Brufen, Genpril, Ibu-Tab, Cuprofen, Nurofen, Advil, and Motrin, among others.
The packaging of medication at a pharmacy will state whether a product contains ibuprofen.
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Ibuprofen is an NSAID, which is a type of medication with analgesic, fever-reducing, and, in higher doses, anti-inflammatory properties.
The World Health Organization (WHO) includes ibuprofen on its list of essential medicines. The list states the minimum medical needs for a basic healthcare system.
Other types of pain relief medication are steroids and narcotics, or opioids. NSAIDs are safer than both of these, as long-term steroid use can have severe adverse effects, and taking opioids can result in improper use.
Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are well-known NSAIDs, partly because they are available over the counter at pharmacies.
Ibuprofen reduces pain, fever, swelling, and inflammation by blocking the production of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2. The body releases these substances in response to illness and injury.
If a person takes ibuprofen by mouth, they should notice the effects after 20–30 minutes.
The most common adverse effects of ibuprofen are gastrointestinal. They include:
- pain
- diarrhea or constipation
- nausea and vomiting
- dyspepsia
- bloating
Among other likely side effects are:
- dizziness
- headache
- nervousness
- skin rash
- tinnitus
- edema, or fluid retention
If a person feels dizzy after taking ibuprofen, they should not drive or operate machinery.
Who should not use it?
Ibuprofen is not suitable for people who have previously had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs or who have just had or are going to have heart surgery.
It may also not be appropriate for those who:
People who are already using any type of medication should ask a healthcare professional for advice before taking ibuprofen.
In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strengthened its warning about the increased risk of heart attack or stroke when using ibuprofen.
Side effects can arise within the first weeks of using this drug. The risk may be greater with a higher dose or long-term use or if a person has a history of heart disease.
The FDA calls on people to be aware of this possible problem and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness in one part or side of the body, or sudden slurred speech.
A person should consult a doctor or qualified pharmacist if they are unsure about whether to use ibuprofen.
When to stop using it
People should stop using ibuprofen and contact a doctor if they experience:
- faintness or blood in vomit or stool
- pain that gets worse or lasts longer than 10 days
- a fever that worsens or lasts longer than 3 days
- swelling or change in skin color in the area of pain
- any new symptoms
Allergic reactions
Some people may have an allergy to the ingredients of ibuprofen.
Allergic symptoms include:
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should stop using the drug.
In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur, and a person will have difficulty breathing. This is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Pregnancy and nursing
People should not use ibuprofen at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later, as it could lead to low levels of amniotic fluid.
A person should seek guidance from a healthcare professional before using any medication during pregnancy or when nursing.
Is ibuprofen addictive?
Experts do not generally consider ibuprofen to be a medication that will lead to substance use disorder, although at least one case study suggests this is possible.
The body does not build up a tolerance to it, so a person will not need larger doses for the same effect. Also, there are no withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using it.
Some drugs contain both ibuprofen and opioids, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. Overuse of these medications can lead to substance use disorder.
Sometimes, one medication can interfere with the effects of another. Specialists refer to this as drug interaction.
Drugs that may interact with ibuprofen include:
This may not be an exhaustive list of drugs that interact with ibuprofen. Anyone who is considering using ibuprofen should ask a pharmacist or doctor whether it is safe to do so with their existing medication.
Ibuprofen is widely available in tablet and syrup forms. Doctors may also give it intravenously to manage pain after surgery.
The dosage will depend on the reason for taking ibuprofen and a person’s age. It is essential to take the correct dosage to minimize the risk of side effects.
It is best to take it with food or a drink of milk to reduce the risk of an upset stomach.
For mild to moderate pain, a person can take 400 milligrams (mg) every 4–6 hours. The maximum dose in 1 day is 3,200 mg.
For other purposes, a doctor will recommend the dosage. They will also monitor the person for adverse effects and adjust the dose as necessary.
Ibuprofen and children
Children can take pediatric ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever.
Doses for children are lower than those for adults. Research suggests that dose levels be based on a child’s weight and age.
People should contact a doctor before giving a child ibuprofen if the child is:
- under 2 years of age or weighs less than 24 pounds
- taking any other medication
- receiving treatment for a serious health condition
People should consult the instructions on the packaging or check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before giving ibuprofen or other medication to children.
Ibuprofen is available for purchase online.
Ibuprofen is an NSAID that is available at pharmacies without a prescription. A person can use it when treating pain and fever.
Ibuprofen carries a warning about serious side effects. A person should always follow the doctor’s instructions and read the information on the packaging carefully before using this or any other medication.
LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — See this list of medicines that contain ibuprofen to find out more about a specific medication.
Ibuprofen is a type of anti-inflammatory pain-relief medicine.
Here you will find more information on what ibuprofen is, what it's used for, how it works, its risks and whether there are any other treatment options available in its place.
You can get ibuprofen in various ways — with a prescription, or without a prescription from pharmacies, convenience stores, service stations and supermarkets.
Ibuprofen is a medicine that treats fever and mild to moderate pain caused by inflammation. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.
What is ibuprofen used for?
Ibuprofen can be used for the short-term relief of fever, mild to moderate pain and inflammation (redness, swelling and soreness).
Ibuprofen might also ease some of the symptoms of:
Ibuprofen provides only temporary relief — it won't cure your condition.
How does ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen works on one of the chemical pathways for pain. It reduces the ability of your body to make prostaglandins — chemicals that promote pain, inflammation and fever.
With fewer prostaglandins in your body, fever eases, and pain and inflammation is reduced.
What forms of ibuprofen are available?
Ibuprofen is available in different:
- brands
- forms e.g. tablets, capsules and liquids
- strengths
- packaging
- pack sizes
Some products combine ibuprofen with other medicines.
Common side effects of ibuprofen include:
There can be extra risks if you take ibuprofen when you are over 65 - or have an gastro-oesophageal reflux disease ('reflux') or an ulcer, so discuss this with your doctor. Ibuprofen, like all NSAIDs, can also make heart, liver or kidney disease worse. Talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you have asthma, are already taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart disease, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Serious side effects of ibuprofen that need immediate medical attention include:
- asthma, wheezing and shortness of breath
- swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing
- dark vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- black stools that can indicate bleeding
This is not a full list of side effects. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Or, if you're experiencing a serious or life-threatening side effect, immediately call triple zero (000).
When should I speak to my doctor?
There can be extra risks if you take ibuprofen when you are over 65 — or have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease ('reflux') or a stomach ulcer, so discuss this with your doctor. Also, speak to your doctor if you:
- experience side effects that trouble you
- have signs of an allergic reaction
- have a health condition or are taking medication that may affect how your body reacts to ibuprofen. Ibuprofen, like all NSAIDs, can also make heart, liver or kidney disease worse. Talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you have asthma, or are already taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart disease
- find that ibuprofen isn’t relieving your pain or fever
- become pregnant or start breastfeeding
See the CMI for full details about when to speak with your doctor before or after you have started taking ibuprofen.
Are there alternatives to ibuprofen?
For treating fever, an alternative to ibuprofen is paracetamol.
For pain or inflammation-related swelling, ask your doctor or pharmacist for an alternative if ibuprofen is not suitable for you. Your health professional may suggest you try:
- paracetamol
- another medicine from the NSAID family
- a medicine that combines codeine with paracetamol or ibuprofen in the same tablet
If your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe you a stronger pain reliever.
This page does not give you all the information about ibuprofen. Please read the pack label for more details, and ask your doctor or pharmacist important questions.