What It Is
Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly abbreviated as NSAIDs. It's one of the most widely used medicines in this class worldwide.
What It's Used For
Ibuprofen is generally used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It's commonly used for conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, minor arthritis pain, and fever associated with common illnesses.
How It Works
Ibuprofen works by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenase, or COX, enzymes, which are involved in producing prostaglandins, chemical messengers that promote inflammation, pain signaling, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin production throughout the body, ibuprofen reduces swelling and inflammation at the site of an injury or condition, in addition to relieving pain and fever, which distinguishes it from paracetamol's more centrally focused action.
History and Regulatory Status
Ibuprofen was developed by a team of researchers in the United Kingdom during the 1960s, as part of a search for alternatives to existing anti-inflammatory medicines that had more difficult side effect profiles. It was first introduced for prescription use in the early 1970s and later became available over the counter in many countries during the 1980s. It remains one of the most extensively studied and widely available NSAIDs globally, sold both as a generic medicine and under numerous brand names, and is included on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.