Commonly: Advil, Nuprin, Haltran, Medipren, Motrin, Midol, Brufen, Genpril

(Sometimes spelled ibuprophen) This fever reducing, pain relieving, blood thinning compound was introduced in 1974 and is often used where pain relief is needed without a large anti-inflammatory effect. Ibuprofen is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Lower doses can control pain but higher doses are needed to treat inflammation.  It is inferior to aspirin as an anti-inflammatory as it may cause gastrointestinal irritation and the effective dosage is greater. It is an alternative for some persons, however, who cannot take aspirin, due to ulcers or other stomach maladies.

It should not be taken with aspirin because the combination can cause further stomach upset and also cause blood clotting impairment. If you are taking a normal regimen of aspirin it is not recommended to take ibuprofen. Patients taking both aspirin and ibuprofen had nearly twice the risk of death from any cause -- and a 73% increased risk of death from heart disease. There was no increased numbers of deaths among those taking aspirin with other painkillers similar to ibuprofen.

It's mode of action, like that of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, is not completely understood, but may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition.

Many athletes take this compound as part of their normal training routine or prior to major competitions such as marathons.

This popular pain reliever blocks the heart-protecting effects of aspirin, according to a new study. The results, if confirmed, would have major implications for millions of people who take a small dose of aspirin every day for their hearts, but who also take ibuprofen, widely known in North America under the brand names Advil and Motrin, to cope with conditions such as arthritis.

This particular NSAID has a more potent anti-inflammatory agent than aspirin. It, then is sometimes more effective for arthritic patients with fewer side effects. Food does delay the absorption but not the total drug intake. Ibuprofen is effective for mild to moderate pain. It works much the same as Aspirin. Pain relief should be expected in about 30 minutes. Ibuprofen is effective, also, as an anti-pyretic (reduces fever) much the same as aspirin.

Why to prescribe
Ibuprofen is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout. It also is used to reduce fever and to relieve headaches, muscle aches, menstrual pain, aches and pains from the common cold, backache, and pain after surgery or dental work.

Side Effects
The side effects related to Ibuprofen, though fewer in number, can be more intense in symptoms. The most common side effects are GI (gastrointestinal) in origin. They include complaints of nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and occasionally even ulcers of the upper intestinal tract. There are other possible and less frequent side effects involving the central nervous system, liver and even allergic reactions like rashes. 

Heavy use of nonaspirin pain relievers does increase the risk for high blood pressure. In one groundbreaking study, women who took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, 22 times a month or more were 86% more likely to have high blood pressure than those who did not take NSAIDs. Those taking acetaminophen were twice as likely to be hypertensive. Aspirin did not increase the risk.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ibuprofen and seek medical treatment or call your doctor immediately:
* an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
* muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling;
* ulcers (open sores) in the mouth;
* rapid weight gain (fluid retention);
* seizures;
* black, bloody, or tarry stools;
* blood in your urine or vomit;
* decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
* jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
* abdominal cramping, indigestion, or heartburn.

Dosing Chart for Motrin/Advil (Ibuprofen) Suspension (100mg per tsp):

Dosing is every 6 hours. Take ibuprofen with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Ibuprofen may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, ibuprofen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Store ibuprofen at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Overdose: Symptoms of a ibuprofen overdose include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, numbness or tingling, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.

Note: Manufacturers change their products from time to time. For this reason, always refer to the manufacturer's information if available.