About ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a type of anti-inflammatory painkiller (also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or 'anti-inflammatories') that is used to treat pain and reduce inflammation (swelling).

Conditions that it is commonly used to treat include:

• Arthritis.

• Sprains and strains.

• Period (menstrual) pain.

• Migraines.

• Dental pain.

• Pain after surgical operations.

Ibuprofen can also be used to relieve cold and 'flu-like' symptoms including hög temperatur (feber). It can be taken by adults and by children over the age of 3 months.

Ibuprofen is available on prescription, and you can also buy a number of preparations which contain ibuprofen without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

It is also available as a gel which can be applied directly to your skin to help relieve muscle and joint pain.

Ibuprofen works by blocking the effect of natural chemicals called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes.

These enzymes help to make other chemicals in the body, called prostaglandins. Some prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage, and cause pain and inflammation.

By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means pain and inflammation are eased.

Common side effects of ibuprofen are:

• Indigestion.

• Heartburn.

• Magont.

• Illamående.

• Being sick.

• Diarré.

You will find a full list of the side effects associated with ibuprofen from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Ibuprofen may increase the risk of developing serious skin infections when used in children with chickenpox. Therefore, paracetamol is usually recommended in chickenpox and ibuprofen should not be used.

Ibuprofen does not affect your ability to drive or to use machinery.

Om du upplever några andra symtom som du tror kan bero på medicinen, tala med din läkare eller apotekare för vidare råd.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking ibuprofen it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Crohns sjukdom or ulcerös kolit.

• If you have astma or any other allergic disorder.

• Om du är gravid, försöker bli gravid eller ammar.

• Om du har några problem med hur din lever fungerar, eller om du har några problem med hur dina njurar fungerar.

• If you have a heart condition or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.

• If you have högt blodtryck.

• If you have any blood clotting problems.

• Om du har högt blodsocker eller kolesterolnivåer.

• Om du har en bindvävssjukdom som systemisk lupus erythematosus. Detta är ett inflammatoriskt tillstånd som också kallas lupus eller SLE.

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel du tar som finns att köpa utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac, and indometacin), or to any other medicine.

• Before you take ibuprofen, read the leaflet in the pack. It explains how the medicine works and lists possible side effects.

• For adults and children 12 and older, the usual dose is 200-400 mg three or four times a day if needed. If your tablets are the slow-release kind, the dose is different - they’re usually taken once or twice a day.

• Different brands may have different strengths, so always check the label to make sure you’re taking the right amount

• If you’re giving liquid ibuprofen to a child, the dose depends on their age. Read the bottle label carefully so you give the correct amount. The doses below are a general guide for a 100 mg/5 ml ibuprofen suspension.

  • 3-5 months: 50 mg (2.5 ml) three times daily.

  • 6-11 months: 50 mg (2.5 ml) three or four times daily.

  • 1-3 years: 100 mg (5 ml) three times daily.

  • 4-6 years: 150 mg (7.5 ml) three times daily.

  • 7-9 years: 200 mg (10 ml) three times daily.

  • 10-11 years: 300 mg (15 ml) three times daily.

• Ibuprofen is best taken with food. This will help to protect your stomach from side effects such as matsmältningsbesvär.

• If you have been prescribed a modified-release form of ibuprofen (Brufen Retard® brand), swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or break the tablets.

• If you have been prescribed a sachet containing ibuprofen granules (Brufen® Effervescent Granules), mix the contents of the sachet into a glass of water to make a fizzy drink. Drink it straightaway after mixing it.

• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember - unless it’s almost time for your next one. If it is, just skip the missed dose and take the next one as normal. Do not take two doses at once.

• Your doctor will give you the lowest dose of ibuprofen for the shortest time to help avoid side effects. If you need it long-term, they might also give you another medicine to protect your stomach.

  • If you bought ibuprofen yourself, only use it for a short time and stop once the pain or fever goes away.

• Keep your regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you're taking ibuprofen for a long-term problem.

• If you have asthma, ibuprofen can sometimes make symptoms like wheezing or breathlessness worse. If that happens, stop taking it and see your doctor.

• Some anti-inflammatory medicines, including ibuprofen, may slightly increase the risk of heart and blood vessel problems if used long-term. If you’re worried, talk to a healthcare professional. Always stick to the recommended dose.

• If you buy other medicines, check with a pharmacist that they’re safe to take with ibuprofen. Don’t take ibuprofen along with any other anti-inflammatory painkillers - some cold and flu medicines contain them.

• Om du ska genomgå en operation eller tandbehandling, informera den som utför behandlingen om vilka mediciner du tar.

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

• Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

How long does it take for ibuprofen to work?

Ibuprofen usually starts working within 20 to 30 minutes, with its full pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects typically felt after about 1 to 2 hours. How quickly it works can depend on your metabolism and the type of ibuprofen.

Can you take ibuprofen while pregnant?

You should avoid taking ibuprofen while pregnant, especially after 20 weeks, as it may affect the baby’s development and increase the risk of complications in later pregnancy.

Can you drink alcohol with ibuprofen?

It’s generally best to avoid alcohol while taking ibuprofen as it can increase the risk of stomach irritation, bleeding, and other side effects. However, drinking a small amount of alcohol is usually fine.

Can you take ibuprofen and paracetamol together?

Yes, ibuprofen and paracetamol can be taken together for short-term pain relief as they work differently in the body. They can also be taken alternately to maintain consistent relief.

Can you take ibuprofen with co-codamol?

Yes, you can take ibuprofen with co-codamol as they work differently to relieve pain. They can provide stronger pain control when used together. Always follow dosing instructions carefully.

How long does ibuprofen last?

The effects of ibuprofen typically last 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dose and formulation. Extended-release versions may last longer.