Ibuprofen Uses

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This pharmaceutical drug is used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to relieve minor aches and pains such as menstrual pain, backache, muscle aches, headache, and dental pain, and to reduce fever.

There may be other uses of ibuprofen—your health system pharmacists or doctors can give you further drug information.

Ibuprofen Mechanism of Action

Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) and thereby blocks the body’s production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are natural substances that cause fever, pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation.

Ibuprofen Doses

Ibuprofen tablets are available as 100 mg and 200 mg tablets over-the-counter (OTC) and as 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg tablets by prescription. This medicine is also available as a 100 mg/5 mL oral suspension.

Over-the-Counter Ibuprofen Dosing

• The recommended dose of over-the-counter ibuprofen in adults and children over the age of 12 years is 200 mg to 400 mg every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose of OTC ibuprofen is 1,200 mg in 24 hours.
• The recommended dose of OTC ibuprofen in children 2-11 years old is 100 mg to 300 mg of the chewable tablet or 5 mL to 15 mL of the oral suspension every 6-8 hours. Children under 12 years old should not be given more than 4 doses of ibuprofen in a day.

Prescription Ibuprofen Dosing

• For mild to moderate pain, the recommended dose of prescription ibuprofen is 400 mg every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose of ibuprofen is 3,200 mg in 24 hours.
• For pain caused by arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), the recommended dose of prescription ibuprofen is 400 mg to 800 mg 3-4 times a day, with a maximum dose of 3,200 mg per day.