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What Is Ibuprofen?

Prescription ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, mild to moderate pain, and primary dysmenorrhea. Current prescription tablets are available in 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg strengths.

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What Is Ibuprofen?

Prescription ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, mild to moderate pain, and primary dysmenorrhea. Current prescription tablets are available in 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg strengths.

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How Does Ibuprofen Reduce Pain and Inflammation?

Ibuprofen has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing activity. Its action is linked to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis through cyclooxygenase activity. Reduced prostaglandin production decreases inflammatory signaling, pain sensitization, and fever.

Who Is Treated With Prescription Ibuprofen?

Prescription ibuprofen tablets are used for signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, mild to moderate pain, and primary dysmenorrhea. Current prescription tablet labeling does not establish pediatric safety and efficacy for these products.

How Are Prescription Ibuprofen Tablets Dosed?

Mild to moderate pain uses 400 mg every four to six hours as needed. Primary dysmenorrhea uses 400 mg every four hours as needed beginning when pain starts. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis use 1200 mg to 3200 mg daily in divided doses. Total daily dosing does not exceed 3200 mg.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Ibuprofen?

Prescription ibuprofen carries boxed warnings for serious cardiovascular thrombotic events and serious gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Other concerns include kidney injury, high blood pressure, heart failure, liver injury, severe skin reactions, and fetal toxicity. Use during coronary artery bypass graft surgery is contraindicated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ibuprofen

What conditions do prescription ibuprofen tablets treat?

They treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, mild to moderate pain, and primary dysmenorrhea.

What is the labeled dose for mild to moderate pain?

The dose is 400 mg every four to six hours as needed.

What is the maximum prescription daily dose?

Current tablet labeling states that total daily dosing does not exceed 3200 mg.

Does prescription ibuprofen have boxed warnings?

Yes. The boxed warnings concern serious cardiovascular thrombotic events and gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation.

References

DailyMed - IBUPROFEN tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=72ec2491-924d-460f-9510-62d624d54b59. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.

FDA Strengthens Warning That Non-Aspirin Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Can Cause Heart Attacks or Strokes. https://www.fda.gov/media/92768/download. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.

Ibuprofen - LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547845/. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.

Ibuprofen - MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159.html. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.

Ibuprofen - StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542299/. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.