What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen was developed in the UK in the 1960’s by two scientists as an alternative to aspirin, to help with rheumatoid arthritis. By the 1980s ibuprofen was approved for other mild to moderate types of pain including muscle and joint pain and shortly afterwards, was made available over-the-counter under the name “Nurofen”.
Ibuprofen is now available as tablets, capsules, granules, liquid, gels, mousse, spray and patches. Ibuprofen is part of a category of medicines called “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs” (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen is used to relieve muscle sprains and strains, period pain, migraine, headaches, backache, dental pain and rheumatic pain, as well as cold and flu-like symptoms such as a fever.
How Does Ibuprofen Help to Relieve Pain?
Ibuprofen works by blocking the effect of chemicals called COX (cyclo-oxygenase) enzymes. COX enzymes help to make “prostaglandins” which are produced at places of injury or damage, in the body and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking these COX enzymes, ibuprofen reduces the prostaglandins which cause pain and inflammation.
Ibuprofen can work in two ways:
To ease pain
Ibuprofen can provide superior pain relief to paracetamol§, for short bouts of painful conditions (also known as “acute pain”).
To reduce inflammation
Ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties. When prescribed by a doctor for longer periods of time, the maximum effect of inflammation reduction may be felt at about 1 to 3 weeks.
Ibuprofen is also used to reduce fever (high temperature).
Which Types of Body Pain Can Ibuprofen Help With?
Ibuprofen can help to relieve a variety of painful conditions, from muscle and joint pain to period pain and headaches.
Ibuprofen for Short-term Body Pains
Sprains and Strains and Sports Injuries
Ibuprofen is useful to relieve the pain from sprains, strains and sports injuries. It can be taken as a tablet (by mouth) or rubbed onto the skin of the painful area as a gel or applied as a patch, when the pain is more localised.
Although paracetamol is a good pain reliever, a study found that ibuprofen works better for acute pain in more people, than paracetamol.
Muscle and Joint pain
From your neck, shoulders, hips, hands, elbows, knees, ankles to your feet, ibuprofen can ease simple muscle and joint aches or pains and get you moving again.
Period Pains
Ibuprofen can be used to relieve period pains in women and adolescents over the age of 12 years.
Back pain
Ibuprofen is more effective than paracetamol alone, for managing back pain.
Ibuprofen for Longer lasting Body Pains
Ibuprofen can also be used for longer lasting types of body pain. Most people can take it regularly for many years without problems, as long as it’s at the recommended dose and is prescribed by a doctor.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Morning pain and stiffness in the joints can be eased by taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen gels or patches are also recommended for painful knees caused by osteoarthritis. Ibuprofen does not treat the cause of arthritis but works by easing the symptoms of pain and stiffness and may help you to move around more easily.
Bursitis
Hot, swollen, painful joints caused by bursitis may be eased by taking ibuprofen, because it relieves pain and also reduces swelling.
Is Ibuprofen Always Effective?
Ibuprofen is effective in relieving many types of pain. For some types, such as nerve-related pain (also known as "neuralgia"), ibuprofen may be less effective. A healthcare professional can diagnose these types of pain and prescribe specific medicines designed for them. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you continue to have pain after taking ibuprofen.
How Long Does Ibuprofen Take to Work?
Ibuprofen brings fast and effective pain relief. How long ibuprofen takes to work, depends on different factors such as whether it was taken as a tablet by mouth, or applied as a gel or patch. For example, Nurofen Express 200mg Liquid Capsules start to get to work in 8 minutes* and Nurofen Joint and Back Pain Relief Max Strength 10% gel is rapidly absorbed for deep relief.
* refers to absorption
How Long Do the Effects of Ibuprofen Last?
The duration of pain-relieving effects of ibuprofen depends on a number of things, including whether it is taken as a pill by mouth or applied as a patch or gel. For example, Nurofen Express 200mg Liquid Capsules provide up to 8 hours pain relief* and Nurofen Joint and Muscular Pain Relief 200mg Medicated Plaster offers 24 hours effective pain relief.
*with 400mg dose
The information provided is for general advice only and is not intended to diagnose any condition or as a personalised product or treatment recommendation. If you are concerned, or if your symptoms continue, please seek advice from your GP, pharmacist or physiotherapist.
FAQs
How does ibuprofen relieve pain in different parts of the body?
Ibuprofen blocks the chemicals that make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are involved in producing pain and inflammation at places of injury or damage to the body. When applied to the skin or swallowed, ibuprofen enters the bloodstream, and is carried around the body, reducing the production of prostaglandins in affected areas.
Read more here about how ibuprofen works.
Why doesn’t ibuprofen work instantly?
All medicines must be absorbed into the body before they begin to work.
Pills are absorbed through the stomach or intestines, whilst gels or patches release medicine that is absorbed through the skin and into tissue.
There are several things that can influence the speed and amount of medicine absorbed. For example, the type of medicine, how and where in the body it’s absorbed and taking other medicines at the same time, can influence how quickly it’s absorbed. Other factors like taking it with, or without food and the kind of food taken, can also have an effect on how it works.
Always read the package leaflet that comes with the medicine or follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
How long does ibuprofen take to work?
Ibuprofen offers fast and effective pain relief. The exact length of time that it takes to work is dependent on things like whether it is taken by mouth as pills or tablets or if it is applied to the skin as a gel or patch. Nurofen Express 200mg Liquid Capsules start to get to work in 8 minutes.* Nurofen Joint and Back Pain Relief Max Strength 10% gel is rapidly absorbed for deep relief. Read more here.
Does Ibuprofen have side effects?
Although all medicines can cause side effects, most people don't experience serious side effects when taking ibuprofen. It’s important to read the patient information leaflet carefully before using ibuprofen to make sure it's suitable for you to take. Report any side effects to your pharmacist or doctor.
How long can I take ibuprofen for?
Over-the-counter ibuprofen should only be taken for short periods. Read the patient information leaflet carefully for the product you’re using and follow the dosage instructions. It’s important to to take the correct dose for the appropriate length of time. If symptoms continue, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
*For verification please contact PO Box 4044, Slough, SL1 0NS
RKT-M-05841