NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Ibuprofen

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A widely used nonselective NSAID with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Ibuprofen is first-line therapy for mild-to-moderate pain, inflammatory conditions, dysmenorrhea, and fever. Available over-the-counter and by prescription at higher doses.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
11 2018–2024
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A widely used nonselective NSAID with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is OTC: 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours (max 1200 mg/day); Rx: up to 800 mg three times daily (max 3200 mg/day) (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 11 sources.

What it's good for
  • Relief of mild-to-moderate pain3,8
  • Reduction of inflammation
  • Fever reduction10,11
  • Dysmenorrhea relief3
  • Treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
What to watch for
  • Dyspepsia and nausea
  • GI bleeding and ulceration
  • Headache
  • Known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs1,2
  • History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic reactions after aspirin or NSAIDs

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: relief of mild-to-moderate pain, reduction of inflammation, fever reduction. 11 sources indexed (2018–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Non-selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes from arachidonic acid. By decreasing prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin I2, ibuprofen reduces inflammation, pain sensitization, and fever. COX-1 inhibition also reduces the protective prostaglandin production in the gastric mucosa, contributing to GI side effects.

Class
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
OTC: 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours (max 1200 mg/day); Rx: up to 800 mg three times daily (max 3200 mg/day) (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet, capsule, or oral suspension

Take with food or milk to reduce GI irritation; avoid alcohol use8

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Dyspepsia and nausea
  • GI bleeding and ulceration
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Peripheral edema
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Renal impairment with prolonged use
  • Increased cardiovascular risk with long-term use

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs1,2
  • History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic reactions after aspirin or NSAIDs
  • Active GI bleeding or peptic ulcer disease
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Third trimester of pregnancy
  • Perioperative pain in the setting of CABG surgery1,3
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

6

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Ibuprofen, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Ibuprofen?

A widely used nonselective NSAID with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Ibuprofen is first-line therapy for mild-to-moderate pain, inflammatory conditions, dysmenorrhea, and fever. Available over-the-counter and by prescription at higher doses.

What is Ibuprofen used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Ibuprofen include: Relief of mild-to-moderate pain; Reduction of inflammation; Fever reduction; Dysmenorrhea relief; Treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Ibuprofen?

A typical adult dose of Ibuprofen is OTC: 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours (max 1200 mg/day); Rx: up to 800 mg three times daily (max 3200 mg/day) (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet, capsule, or oral suspension. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Ibuprofen?

Reported side effects include dyspepsia and nausea, gi bleeding and ulceration, headache, dizziness, peripheral edema, elevated blood pressure. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Ibuprofen?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Ibuprofen in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

Download on the App Store → Read the methodology

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.