Cold & Flu Treatment Over the Counter What You Need to Know About Ibuprofen By Kristina Duda, RN facebook twitter linkedin Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Learn about our editorial process Kristina Duda, RN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD on September 19, 2020 Rony Kampalath, MD, is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist specializing in imaging of the abdomen. Learn about our Medical Review Board Rony Kampalath, MD on September 19, 2020 Print Ibuprofen is a popular over the counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It is available for children and adults and can be used for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. If you have never taken ibuprofen before or you aren't sure if it's right for your problem right now, you'll get the basics on this common drug here. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Active Ingredient Ibuprofen 200mg per caplet, regular strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) In the United States, ibuprofen is sold as brand-name medications Advil and Motrin, as well as multiple generic and store brands. Dosing Adults – 1 to 2 caplets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for fever or pain. Do not exceed 6 caplets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor.Children (under 12 years old) – Ibuprofen can be used in children 6 months old and up. Follow dosing directions on the label based on your child's age and weight or ask his health care provider for specific dosing instructions for your child. Uses Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medicine, meaning it reduces swelling and pain caused by irritation in your body. It is also useful for bringing down fevers. It's actually quite a useful medicine if you have an illness like the common cold or the flu. These viruses can cause aches and pains, fevers, sore throat, headache, and other discomforts. Taking ibuprofen even if you don't have a fever may bring you some relief from the pain caused by your illness. Myth or Fact: Can Ibuprofen Cause Weight Gain? Misconceptions abound about nearly every medicine available. One question about ibuprofen that comes up from time to time is whether or not it can cause weight gain. Taking ibuprofen doesn't increase body fat and it won't make you eat more. However, it can affect your kidneys if you already have kidney problems or if you take it frequently for long periods of time. When your kidneys don't function properly, you can retain water, which may appear to be weight gain. Although this is possible, remember that this is rare with ibuprofen use. If you're experiencing this, talk to your doctor to get to the bottom of what is causing it. Adverse Effects Ibuprofen is a Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) which could cause stomach bleeding. This risk is higher if you: Are over age 60Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problemsTake blood thinners or steroidsTake other NSAIDs (aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen or others)Drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages every day while taking this medicationTake the medication for longer than directed or take more than the recommended dose It is also possible to have a severe allergic reaction to ibuprofen. Although rare, these signs may include: hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, shock, rash, blisters or wheezing. If these symptoms occur, discontinue use and seek medical attention right away. Cautions and Warnings Do not use Ibuprofen if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a pain reliever or fever reducer. Do not use right before or after heart surgery. Talk to your health care provider before using ibuprofen if you are having any type of surgical procedure. Ask a Doctor Before Use If you have had problems when taking other pain relievers or fever reducersIf you have serious stomach problems or a history of ulcersIf you have high blood pressureIf you have heart or kidney diseaseIf you are over 60 years oldIf you have bleeding problemsIf you are taking diuretics (such as Lasix), blood thinners (such as Coumadin), steroids or other NSAIDsIf you have any other chronic or serious medical problemsIf you are pregnant or breastfeeding – may cause serious complications during the last three months of pregnancy Stop Use and Ask a Doctor if You Have Any of the Following Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood or feeling faint – these may be signs of stomach bleedingPain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 daysFever lasts more than three daysStomach pain gets worseYou have redness or swelling in the area that is causing painAny new symptoms appear Other Information About Ibuprofen Some people experience stomach discomfort or irritation when taking ibuprofen. Taking it with food or milk may help. In some cases, taking ibuprofen continuously for long periods of time may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Ibuprofen is a great medication when it's taken properly. It is generally very effective at bringing down fevers and relieving minor aches and pains. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Bushra R, Aslam N. An overview of clinical pharmacology of Ibuprofen. Oman Med J. 2010;25(3):155–1661. doi:10.5001/omj.2010.49 Hörl WH. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and the Kidney. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010;3(7):2291–2321. doi:10.3390/ph3072291 Rainsford KD. Ibuprofen: pharmacology, efficacy and safety. Inflammopharmacology. 2009;17(6):275-342. doi:10.1007/s10787-009-0016-x Additional Reading "Motrin IB." Motrin Family of Products. 2006. McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNeil PPC, Inc. Advil Tablets. Advil. 2006. Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. NIH. Ibuprofen Tablets, USP 400mg, 600mg and 800mg.