Introduction

Ibuprofen is a painkiller available over the counter without a prescription.

It's one of a group of painkillers callednon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) and can be used to:

  • ease mild to moderate pain such as Toothache , migraine and period pain
  • control a high temperature(fever) for example, when someone has the flu (influenza)
  • ease pain and inflammation (redness and swelling) caused by conditions that affect the joints, bones and musclessuch as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
  • ease pain and swelling caused by sprains and strains such as sports injuries

This topic covers:

Types of ibuprofen

Who can take ibuprofen

How to take ibuprofen

Interactions with medicines, food and alcohol

Side effects of ibuprofen

Overdoses of ibuprofen

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017