Ibuprofen Uses

In the case of ibuprofen, uses of the medication often involve relieving pain, fever, and inflammation. In addition to relieving general pain (such as a headache), ibuprofen may be used to treat arthritis symptoms, painful menstrual periods, and pain following a procedure, among other things. A few off-label ibuprofen uses include relieving symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and gout.

 

Ibuprofen Uses: An Overview

Ibuprofen (marketed under brand names such as Motrin®, Advil®, Genpril®, and Nuprin®) is a medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to pain, inflammation, fever, and stiffness.
 
Specific ibuprofen uses include:
 
  • Pain relief. Ibuprofen can relieve pain following a procedure, as well as pain caused by straining a muscle or inflammation in a tendon (tendonitis) or bursa (bursitis). It can also be used to treat general pain, such as a headache, toothache, knee pain, back pain, or foot pain.
     
  • Treatment of arthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling. While people may use ibuprofen to treat several different types of arthritis (including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), the medication does not cure these types of arthritis, nor does it change their progression.
     
  • Treatment of painful menstrual periods.
     
  • Temporary relief of fever.
     
Ibuprofen may be used by itself or combined with other medications in several common cold, flu, and sinus products. These products can help to relieve common cold symptoms, flu symptoms, or sinus problems, such as fever, aches, and pains.
 

How Does Ibuprofen Work?

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) 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 can help reduce 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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;