Ibuprofen is a medication that is approved to treat pain, inflammation, stiffness, and fever associated with various medical conditions. Common brand names include
Motrin®, Advil
®, Genpril
®, and Nuprin
®. It is available in both prescription and nonprescription forms, and can be obtained alone or in combination with cold, flu, and sinus products.
Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs). This means that the medication works by minimizing the action of certain chemicals in the body called prostaglandins. These chemicals are known to play a role in pain and inflammation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies ibuprofen as a pregnancy Category C drug, which means it might not be safe for use in pregnant women; however, in special cases, sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks. Ask your healthcare provider what to do if you are considering taking this medication while pregnant.
(To learn more about specific uses for this drug, click Ibuprofen Uses. This article explains in detail how this medication works, the different medical conditions it can help treat, off-label uses, and whether children can take it.)
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