Brain & Nervous System Migraines Treatment Using Ibuprofen to Treat Headaches and Migraines How It Works, Safety Considerations, and More By Colleen Doherty, MD Colleen Doherty, MD, is a board-certified internist living with multiple sclerosis. Learn about our editorial process Colleen Doherty, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD on September 22, 2020 linkedin Nicholas R. Metrus, MD, is a board-certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist. He currently serves at the Glasser Brain Tumor Center in Summit, New Jersey. Learn about our Medical Review Board Nicholas R. Metrus, MD on September 22, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All How It Works Most Effective Doses Adverse Effects Safety Considerations When you have a headache that's severe enough to require medication, chances are you reach for an oral analgesic—a painkiller taken by mouth—such as ibuprofen. This familiar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, is effective for all types of headaches, from those caused by garden-variety stress to severe migraines. In fact, ibuprofen, along with a similar NSAID, naproxen, are among the medications most often used for migraine pain, according to the America Migraine Foundation: They often are just as effective as other migraine medications, such as triptans, and also cost less and are less likely to lead to what is called the "chronification" of headaches, in which pain occurs daily or near every day. Ibuprofen is available over the counter (OTC) as well as by prescription. As an OTC product, it's sold under the brand names Advil and Motrin; it's also available in generic and store-brand forms, which often are less expensive. For very severe pain, a doctor may prescribe ibuprofen in a stronger dose than can be purchased over the counter. The medication also is a common ingredient in certain multi-symptom cold and flu remedies—an important fact to be aware of in order to avoid taking too much of the drug at once and triggering potentially serious side effects. That said, when used correctly, ibuprofen is safe for most people. Verywell / Cindy Chung How It Works Ibuprofen is in company with other familiar NSAIDs, including over-the-counter aspirin and Aleve (naproxen), and prescription analgesics Celebrex (celecoxib) and Cambia (diclofenac). All of these drugs work by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme that forms prostaglandins and other substances that are responsible for inflammation, pain, and temperature control. Prostaglandins' Impact on Inflammation and Pain Most Effective Doses Over-the-counter ibuprofen comes as a 200-milligram (mg) tablet or a chewable; it's also available as a liquid or drops for children. For mild to moderate headache pain, a single dose of nonprescription ibuprofen every four to six hours up to three times per day often is enough to bring relief to most otherwise-healthy adults (as well as kids over 12). For more severe head pain, research has shown that a double dose is likely to be more helpful than a single one. In fact, this is the dosage frequently used in research looking at the effectiveness of ibuprofen for headache pain relief. For example, in a 2015 review of 12 studies, people with episodic tension-type headaches were found to be pain-free two hours after taking 400 mg of ibuprofen, while those who took a placebo or only 200 mg of ibuprofen had no or less long-lasting relief. Tension Headaches Are a Common Headache Type Similarly, a 2013 study found that ibuprofen provides pain relief for about half of the participants in the study with migraines, especially in doses of 400 mg (compared to 200 mg). What's more, people who don't get adequate relief from standard doses of ibuprofen may be prescribed a larger dose (up to 800 mg three times per day). It's important to take ibuprofen only as directed and at the lowest dose and for the shortest time as possible. In addition to lowering your risk of side effects, you'll also be less likely to develop rebound headaches, also known as medication overuse headaches. Adverse Effects Ibuprofen is associated with side effects ranging from common and mild to potentially serious. These risks are heightened at higher doses, which is why taking it as directed is essential. Common Side Effects The most typical side effects of ibuprofen include: ConstipationDiarrheaGasBloatingDizzinessNervousnessRinging in the ears Call your doctor right away if you're taking ibuprofen and experience more serious symptoms, such as: Weight gainTrouble breathingSwelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legsFeverBlistersRashCloudy or bloody urineStiff neckHeadache Emergencies Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following while taking ibuprofen. Note, too, that this drug may interact with other medications you're taking. Symptoms of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, or hives)Black stoolsBlood in stool, urine, or vomitVisual changesGeneral ill feeling or flu-like symptomsNausea or vomitingRedness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skinStomach painUnexplained weight gain or swellingUnusual fatigueYellowing of eyes or skin Safety Considerations Ibuprofen (as well as other NSAIDS, except for aspirin) carries a boxed warning regarding a heightened risk of heart attack or stroke in people who take it—especially for extended periods of time. If you've recently had a heart attack; have a family history of heart disease or stroke; smoke; or have ever had high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), or diabetes, you should check with your doctor before taking ibuprofen. Symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, slurred speech, and neurological problems such as weakness on one side of your body could be a sign of heart attack or stroke. Call for medical help or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. The boxed warning for NSAIDs also explains that these medications may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestines. People who are older, are in poor health, or drink three or more alcoholic beverages per day are at highest risk for these adverse effects, as are those who take blood thinners or corticosteroids. Ibuprofen can also cause an allergic reaction in some people, so seek medical attention immediately if you develop swelling of your face or throat. Ibuprofen and Pregnancy Studies have been inconclusive regarding how ibuprofen might affect a developing fetus during the first two trimesters. However, it is contraindicated in the last three months of pregnancy, as it can cause problems to an unborn baby or during delivery. If you're expecting or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about taking ibuprofen, even in standard doses. And if you happen to become pregnant while taking ibuprofen, stop taking it until you've spoken to your healthcare provider. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. 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. American Migraine Foundation. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for Acute Migraine Treatment. Published December 14, 2011. Rabbie R, Derry S, Moore RA. Ibuprofen With or Without an Antiemetic for Acute Migraine Headaches in Adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Apr 30. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011474.pub2 Rabbie R, Derry S, Moore RA. Ibuprofen with or without an antiemetic for acute migraine headaches in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(4):CD008039. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008039.pub3 Cleveland Clinic. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines (NSAIDs). Reviewed April 27, 2016. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Ibuprofen Drug Facts Label. Content current as of April 6, 2016. Additional Reading Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Moore RA, et al. Ibuprofen for Acute Treatment of Episodic Tension-type Headache in Adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jul 31;(7):CD011474. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011474.pub2 Rabbie R, Derry S, Moore RA. Ibuprofen With or Without an Antiemetic for Acute Migraine Headaches in Adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Apr 30. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011474.pub2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (July 2015). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA Strengthens Warning That Non-aspirin Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Can Cause Heart Attacks or Strokes. July 9, 2015.