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NSAID

Ibuprofen

Brand names: Nurofen, Brufen

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain, inflammation and fever.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

Directions do not take more than directed the smallest effective dose should be used adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist if pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be used do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor children under 12 years: ask a doctor

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2026-04-29. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Ibuprofen non-selectively inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and thereby pain, inflammation and fever.

Prescribing in practice

  • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time; gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular risks rise with dose and duration.
  • Avoid or use caution in peptic ulcer disease, significant renal impairment, heart failure, and uncontrolled hypertension; consider gastroprotection in at-risk patients.
  • It reduces the renal clearance of several drugs and adds to bleeding risk with anticoagulants/antiplatelets; the combination with an ACE inhibitor or ARB plus a diuretic is a particular renal risk.

Monitoring

Short courses in healthy adults need no routine monitoring; with longer use or in at-risk patients monitor renal function and blood pressure and review GI symptoms.

Counselling the patient

  • Take it with or after food.
  • Report indigestion, black stools, or reduced urine output.
  • Avoid combining it with other NSAIDs.

Evidence & guidelines

NSAIDs are effective for inflammatory and musculoskeletal pain but are used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration because of GI, renal and cardiovascular risk.

Reference: NICE CKS Analgesia; MHRA NSAID safety advice; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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