Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID) found in 12 medicines sold in India, such as Brufen 400, Ibugesic 400, Combiflam. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Relieves pain, swelling and fever, for example from sprains, period pain, toothache and arthritis.
How it works
It blocks COX enzymes that make prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause pain, swelling and fever.
How to take it
Adults usually take 200 to 400 mg three times a day with or after food, up to 1,200 mg a day without a prescription. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time.
Common side effects
- Stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Dizziness
Get medical help straight away if
- Black or bloody stools or vomiting blood
- Severe stomach pain
- Wheezing or breathlessness (it can trigger asthma)
- Swelling of the face or a severe rash
- Passing much less urine
Be careful
Take after food. Can irritate the stomach; not for people with ulcers, kidney disease or late pregnancy without medical advice.
Other medicines and interactions
Do not combine with other NSAIDs such as aspirin, diclofenac or naproxen. It raises bleeding risk with warfarin, clopidogrel and SSRIs, and can reduce the effect of blood pressure medicines and harm the kidneys when taken with ACE inhibitors, ARBs or diuretics.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid from 20 weeks of pregnancy onward unless a doctor advises it, as it can affect the baby's kidneys and heart; ask before using earlier in pregnancy. Small amounts pass into breast milk and short courses are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Brands of Ibuprofen (2)
Combination medicines that contain Ibuprofen (10)
Common questions
What is Ibuprofen used for?
Relieves pain, swelling and fever, for example from sprains, period pain, toothache and arthritis.
How does Ibuprofen work?
It blocks COX enzymes that make prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause pain, swelling and fever.
How should I take Ibuprofen?
Adults usually take 200 to 400 mg three times a day with or after food, up to 1,200 mg a day without a prescription. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time.
What are the side effects of Ibuprofen?
Common: Stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, indigestion, headache, dizziness. Get help straight away for: Black or bloody stools or vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, wheezing or breathlessness (it can trigger asthma), swelling of the face or a severe rash, passing much less urine.
Does Ibuprofen interact with other medicines?
Do not combine with other NSAIDs such as aspirin, diclofenac or naproxen. It raises bleeding risk with warfarin, clopidogrel and SSRIs, and can reduce the effect of blood pressure medicines and harm the kidneys when taken with ACE inhibitors, ARBs or diuretics.
Is Ibuprofen safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Avoid from 20 weeks of pregnancy onward unless a doctor advises it, as it can affect the baby's kidneys and heart; ask before using earlier in pregnancy. Small amounts pass into breast milk and short courses are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Does Ibuprofen need a prescription in India?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Which brands contain Ibuprofen?
Brufamol, Brufen 400, Brufen P, Brustan, Combiflam, Fenceta 325, Flexib 325, Flexon, Ibuclin, Ibuflamar P, Ibugesic 400, Ibugesic Plus.
Sources and further reading
- Ibuprofen: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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