Ibuprofen: fast facts, safe use, and what to watch for

Got a headache, fever, or sore muscles? Ibuprofen is a go-to because it reduces pain, inflammation, and fever. It’s an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that blocks chemicals your body makes when injured or sick. That helps with common aches, menstrual cramps, and mild arthritis flare-ups.

How to take ibuprofen safely

For adults: common over-the-counter pills are 200 mg. Typical dosing is 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed. Don’t exceed 1,200 mg a day unless your doctor tells you differently — some prescriptions let you go up to 2,400 mg under medical supervision. Take it with food or milk to cut stomach upset.

For children: dosing is based on weight. A usual guideline is about 5–10 mg per kg of body weight every 6–8 hours, with a max around 40 mg/kg per day. Always check the product label or ask a pharmacist for the right dose and concentration for your child’s age and weight.

A few quick tips: stick to the lowest dose that relieves symptoms, don’t mix different NSAIDs (like naproxen and ibuprofen) at the same time, and avoid long-term daily use unless a doctor recommends it.

Side effects and interactions to know

Most people tolerate ibuprofen fine short-term, but watch for stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, dizziness, or rash. Serious problems are rare but include stomach bleeding, kidney issues, and increased blood pressure. Older adults and anyone with a history of ulcers, kidney disease, or heart disease should be cautious.

Ibuprofen can interact with several drugs: blood thinners (warfarin), certain blood pressure meds (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics), lithium, methotrexate, and SSRIs can raise bleeding risk. If you take prescription meds, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using ibuprofen.

Avoid alcohol while taking it if you’re prone to stomach problems — alcohol raises the risk of bleeding.

Pregnancy: avoid ibuprofen in the third trimester because it can affect the baby’s circulation. In early pregnancy, check with your healthcare provider before using it.

When to see a doctor: if pain or fever lasts more than a few days, if you notice bloody or black stools, strange bruising, severe stomach pain, swelling, shortness of breath, or sudden hearing changes, get medical help. Also check in if you need higher doses often — there may be a better treatment option.

If you prefer alternatives: acetaminophen (paracetamol) eases pain and fever without the NSAID risks to stomach or kidneys, but it doesn’t treat inflammation. Naproxen lasts longer than ibuprofen and can be better for some conditions. Talk to a clinician to pick the safest option for you.

Want to buy online? Use reputable pharmacies that require prescriptions when appropriate and show clear contact info and reviews. If a price looks unrealistically low, be careful — quality matters with medicines.

Bottom line: ibuprofen works well for short-term pain and fever when used at the right dose. Keep an eye on stomach and kidney symptoms, know drug interactions, and ask a professional if you’re unsure.