Ibuprofen: What It Does and How to Use It Safely

Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter NSAID many people reach for when they have a headache, muscle pain, fever, or menstrual cramps. It lowers pain and inflammation by blocking chemicals your body makes when injured or sick. That makes it useful for short-term problems—but it’s not risk-free, so a little care goes a long way.

How to take ibuprofen

For most adults the usual OTC dose is 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed. Don’t go over 1,200 mg a day without medical advice. Prescription doses can be higher, so follow your prescriber's instructions. Take tablets with food or milk if your stomach is sensitive—this lowers the chance of stomach pain or an ulcer.

Kids need a dose based on weight—follow the label or ask a pharmacist. Never give adult-strength tablets to young children. If a fever or pain doesn’t improve in a couple of days, check with a healthcare provider.

When to avoid or be careful

Have stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, or severe kidney disease? Skip ibuprofen unless your doctor approves. It can raise blood pressure and affect kidney function, especially if you’re dehydrated or already on blood pressure meds. If you take blood thinners, aspirin for heart disease, or certain antidepressants, talk to your clinician—mixing drugs can increase bleeding risk.

Pregnant? Avoid ibuprofen after about 20 weeks unless your doctor says otherwise; in later pregnancy it can harm the baby’s circulation. Breastfeeding? Short-term use is usually considered okay, but check with a clinician if you’re unsure.

Common side effects include stomach pain, heartburn, mild headache, or dizziness. Serious but rare effects are stomach bleeding, allergic reactions, and kidney problems. If you see black stools, severe belly pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden swelling, get medical help right away.

Using ibuprofen regularly for weeks or months raises risks. For chronic pain, it’s better to talk to a doctor about safer long-term plans—physical therapy, different medications, or targeted treatments may work better.

Not sure whether to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen? Acetaminophen controls pain and fever without the anti-inflammatory effects and is gentler on the stomach, but it can harm the liver in high doses. Sometimes alternating the two—under guidance—helps control fever or pain.

Want to buy ibuprofen online? Use a reputable pharmacy, check expiry dates, and read labels. If a product claims impossible benefits or prices are wildly low, be cautious. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist or your healthcare provider.

Final quick tips: stick to the lowest effective dose, limit short-term use, avoid mixing with alcohol, and always tell your doctor about all medicines you take. Questions about a specific dose, interaction, or a health condition? Ask a clinician—it's the safest move.