Ibuprofen: what it treats and how to use it safely

Ibuprofen is a common NSAID people grab for headaches, muscle pain, fever, or period cramps. It works fast for inflammation and short-term pain, but it’s not risk-free. Knowing when and how to take it avoids trouble—here are clear, practical rules that anyone can follow.

How to take ibuprofen safely

For adults, typical over-the-counter dosing is 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 1,200 mg in a 24-hour period unless a doctor tells you otherwise; doctors may prescribe up to 2,400 mg/day in specific cases. For children, dosing is based on weight: 5–10 mg per kg per dose every 6–8 hours, with a common maximum of about 40 mg/kg/day. Always use the measuring device that comes with the medicine and check the label—many liquid products have different concentrations.

Take ibuprofen with food or milk to lower the chance of stomach upset. If you have trouble swallowing pills, many pharmacies sell chewable or liquid forms. Avoid taking multiple medicines that contain ibuprofen or other NSAIDs at the same time—double-dosing is a common mistake when people mix products for cold, flu, or pain.

Watch for interactions and who should avoid it

Don’t mix ibuprofen with blood thinners (like warfarin) or high-dose aspirin without talking to a doctor—bleeding risk rises. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems, or a history of stomach ulcers, ibuprofen may make those conditions worse. People taking certain blood pressure meds (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) should check with their prescriber before using ibuprofen regularly.

Avoid alcohol while using ibuprofen if possible. Drinking can increase the chance of stomach bleeding and make side effects worse. If you notice black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, swelling, shortness of breath, or sharp belly pain, stop the drug and get medical help right away.

For occasional pain, ibuprofen is effective and affordable. For long-term pain management, say for arthritis, discuss options with your doctor—there might be safer or better choices depending on your health history.

Want a simple rule? Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. That reduces risks while keeping the benefits. If pain or fever lasts more than a few days, or you find yourself needing ibuprofen daily, check in with your healthcare provider. They can suggest safer long-term plans or different treatments based on your situation.