Ibuprofen and other
NSAIDs are thought to work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, ibuprofen is useful for reducing fever and pain related to a number of conditions. This includes pain and joint swelling associated with different forms of
arthritis and other conditions; and pain related to inflammation or bone, muscle, or tendon injury.
Ibuprofen: How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for how to take ibuprofen include the following:
- Ibuprofen comes in tablet, capsule, caplet, and oral suspension (liquid) forms.
- It is best if you take ibuprofen with food or milk to avoid an upset stomach.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the ibuprofen tablets, capsules, or caplets.
- For ibuprofen to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Ibuprofen will not work if you stop taking it.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of serious side effects occurring.
- If using over-the-counter ibuprofen products, you should follow the instructions on the label. Do not exceed the recommended over-the-counter doses for ibuprofen and do not take the medication for more than 10 days for pain relief or 3 days for fever unless your healthcare provider recommends doing so.
The dose of ibuprofen your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The form of ibuprofen
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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