What is Ibuprofen Used For?

Ibuprofen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used for the relief of headache, menstrual pain, backache, muscular and arthritic pain, toothache and the aches of cold and flu and reduction of fever. Ibuprofen works by changing the body's response to high temperature, reducing pain and swelling.

Ibuprofen Dosage and How to Use

Adults and adolescents 12 years old and above

The recommended Ibuprofen dose is 400mg (two tablets) to be taken initially. 200mg (one tablet) to 400mg (two tablets) may be taken every 4 hours when required. Do not take more than 1200mg (6 tablets) in a day. Take with or after food.

Ibuprofen Dosage and How to Use

Medical advice should be sought before use if you have any of the following conditions or symptoms:

• Asthma or worsening of asthma
• Allergic rash or an itchy runny nose when taking Ibuprofen
• Aspirin or other similar medication
  
• Previously vomited blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Bloody stools or black sticky stools, conditions that increase the risk of bleeding
• Stomach or intestinal ulcer
• Severe heart, liver or kidney disease
• If one is not drinking enough fluids or has lost a lot of fluids from vomiting and diarrhoea

Ibuprofen should be avoided if you have a known history of allergy to Ibuprofen, other NSAIDs or any of the other listed ingredients in the product.

​Ibuprofen should be avoided in the 1^st and 3^rd trimesters of pregnancy. Please seek your doctor's or pharmacist's advice before using Ibuprofen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions with other medications

Be sure to inform your doctor and/or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or plan to take other medications, nutritional supplements or herbal products.

​Be sure to mention any of the following:

• Any other pain medications
• Antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin)
• Blood-thinning medications (e.g. warfarin)
• Anti-depressant medications (e.g. fluoxetine, venlafaxine)
• Anti-seizure medications (e.g. phenytoin)
• Immune system medications (e.g. cyclosporine, methotrexate, tacrolimus)
• Water pills (e.g. triamterene, spironolactone)
• Mood stabilizing medications (e.g. lithium)
• Gout medications (e.g. probenecid).

Ibuprofen Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Flatulence (bloatedness)
• Fluid retention
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Itchiness
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Rash
• Swelling
• Vomiting

Handling and Storage of Ibuprofen Tablets

• Keep out of reach and sight of children. 
• Store in a cool dry place. ​

When to seek further medical advice

Inform your doctor and/or pharmacist immediately if you experience any allergic symptoms (e.g. rashes, itchiness, difficulty in breathing or eye swelling) or serious Ibuprofen side effects due to this medication such as swelling of ankles or feet, yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes or unexplained bruising or bleeding.

​Do not use Ibuprofen tablets for more than 10 days without medical supervision.

Prepared by the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (www.pss.org.sg)

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