What is ibuprofen used for?

Not Medical Advice: According to Drugs.com, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

It is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Ibuprofen has the active ingredient Ibuprofen, which is (±) - 2 - (p - isobutylphenyl) propionic acid, and the inactive ingredients colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, talc, magnesium stearate, Opadry II contains hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, sodium citrate, lactose monohydrate and titanium dioxide.

Ibuprofen serious side effects:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
• severe headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, and/or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious ibuprofen side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;
• bloating, gas;
• dizziness, headache, nervousness;
• skin itching or rash;
• blurred vision; or
• ringing in your ears.

Learn important information about ibuprofen here.

Check out some tips for taking medicines at PBS Parents.

In health buzz, using morphine to treat children for post-operation pain, such as removing tonsils or adenoids, can cause life threatening respiratory problems, but ibuprofen is a safe alternative, according to research published in Pediatrics. Find out more at HCPLive.