Ibuprofen
Also known as: Nurofen, Brufen, Advil
What it's for
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory painkiller. It helps with pain, swelling, and fever. It works well for headaches, period pain, toothache, back pain, and arthritis.
Comes as: Tablets, capsules, gel, or liquid
How to take it
- Adults: Take 200mg to 400mg, 3 times a day. Do not take more than 1200mg in 24 hours.
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Stomach pain, heartburn, or feeling sick
- Headaches or dizziness
- Skin rash
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not take if you have a stomach ulcer or have had one in the past
- Avoid if you are pregnant, especially in the last 3 months
- Not suitable if you have asthma that gets worse with painkillers
- Can increase risk of heart attack or stroke if taken long-term
- Do not take with aspirin unless your doctor tells you to
Get medical help urgently if…
- You vomit blood or have blood in your stool (poo)
- You have severe stomach pain
- You have chest pain or difficulty breathing
- You notice swelling in your legs or ankles
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.