Ibuprofen

The US label for these ibuprofen tablets lists temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold and menstrual cramps.

It also lists temporary reduction of fever.

This is an over-the-counter style US label. In India the lists we checked treat ibuprofen as Schedule H, so follow what your pharmacist and prescriber say.

• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Minor pain of arthritis
• Toothache
• Menstrual cramps
• Aches of the common cold
• Fever

The label sections we reviewed say ibuprofen is an NSAID.

They do not describe the mechanism in more detail.

The dosing below is for ibuprofen tablets, an adult oral tablet label from the US written for self-care use.

For adults and children 12 years and older, the US label directions are 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last.

If pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, the label says 2 tablets may be used. It says not to exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours unless a doctor directs.

It tells users not to take more than directed and to use the smallest effective dose.

For children under 12 years, the label says to ask a doctor.

The label says to take it with food or milk if the stomach is upset.

Indian pack labels may differ from the US label, including tablet strength. Your prescriber's instruction always comes first. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before changing the dose.

The label warns that the chance of stomach bleeding is higher at age 60 or older, with a history of ulcers or bleeding problems, with blood thinners or steroids, with other NSAIDs, with 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day, or with higher or longer use than directed.

NSAIDs other than aspirin raise the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke. The label says not to use it right before or after heart surgery.

Ask a doctor first if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, a past stroke or stomach problems, or take a diuretic.

Pregnancy: the label says to ask a health professional. It says not to use ibuprofen at 20 weeks or later unless a doctor directs, because it may cause problems for the unborn child or at delivery.

The label says to stop and ask a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days, or fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days.

• Age 60 or older
• History of stomach ulcer or bleeding
• Heart disease, high blood pressure or past stroke
• Kidney or liver disease, asthma
• Aspirin or NSAID allergy
• Pregnancy at 20 weeks or later
• Regular alcohol: 3 or more drinks a day

• Other NSAIDs and aspirin
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Steroid medicines
• Diuretics
• Aspirin taken for heart attack or stroke prevention
• Alcohol: 3 or more drinks a day
• The label says to avoid combining ibuprofen with other NSAIDs, including aspirin, naproxen and other ibuprofen products.
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants) and steroids raise the chance of stomach bleeding.
• If you take aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention, ask a doctor or pharmacist first, because ibuprofen may reduce that benefit.
• People on a diuretic should ask a doctor first.
• Three or more alcoholic drinks a day raise the bleeding risk.

No match in this label text. Ask your pharmacist about any medicine you take.

The label says to store at 20 to 25 degrees C and avoid excessive heat above 40 degrees C.

Overdose information: the label says to get medical help or contact a poison control centre right away. Keep out of reach of children.

In the Drugs Rules schedules we checked, Ibuprofen is listed under Schedule H (Schedule H, serial 244 (rules 65 and 97)). It is sold on prescription.

The National List of Essential Medicines 2022 lists Ibuprofen in these forms: Oral liquid 100 mg/5 mL (p); Tablet 200 mg; Tablet 400 mg; Tablet 500 mg.

NPPA ceiling prices exist for some Ibuprofen formulations. The table in the price section shows each row we found.

The Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) product list we checked has 5 entries that name Ibuprofen. Availability at a Kendra can change.

Ibuprofen appears in 9 entries of the banned combination list we checked, so check any combination product with the banned medicine checker.

• Jan Aushadhi: Ibuprofen 400mg and Paracetamol 325mg Tablets IP, pack 10's (row p1:sno13)
• Jan Aushadhi: Ibuprofen Tablets IP 200 mg, pack 10's (row p1:sno14)
• Jan Aushadhi: Ibuprofen Tablets IP 400 mg, pack 15's (row p1:sno15)
• Jan Aushadhi: Ibuprofen 100mg and Paracetamol/Acetaminophen 162.5mg Oral Suspension, pack 100 ml (row p44:sno978)
• Jan Aushadhi: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension 100mg/5ml, pack 100ml (row p82:sno1780)

NPPA sets a ceiling price per unit for scheduled formulations. The table shows every Ibuprofen row we found.

A ceiling is the most a seller may charge per unit for that formulation. Actual prices are often lower. Check the pack and seller.

Ibuprofen also appears in combination products. Compare only the same formulation and strength.

Jan Aushadhi lists 5 products that name Ibuprofen. Compare the form, strength and pack size with your prescription before switching, and ask your doctor or pharmacist.

We do not show brand prices because they change often and we have not verified them.