In this article:
This article will discuss how the main ingredient of Nurofen, ibuprofen, works to relieve pain in your body.
What does ibuprofen do?
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), sometimes simply called an anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen can be used for a range of pain types throughout the body from headaches to period pain or joint and muscle pain.
How does ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen helps relieve pain by blocking enzymes (known as COX-1 and COX-2), that make chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage in the body and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking prostaglandins, pain and inflammation is reduced.
What are prostaglandins?
Prostaglandins are made as a result of a chemical reaction started by enzymes called cyclo-oxygenase or COX enzymes. Prostaglandins are produced by cells in our body at the site where they are needed. They are part of the body’s way of dealing with injury and illness. They cause inflammation, pain and fever, as part of the healing process.
The body produces prostaglandins as part of its normal function. However, when the body is injured, or there is inflammation, COX enzymes trigger the production of extra prostaglandins, in response to the injury. Prostaglandins don’t last for long in the body and are broken down quickly. They only work in the area where they are produced.
Ibuprofen blocks prostaglandins
When our body produces high levels of prostaglandins in response to injury or infection, it causes inflammation which can be felt as swelling, redness, pain and sometimes, fever. Ibuprofen, the main ingredient in Nurofen, works by blocking COX enzymes, and in turn blocks the production of prostaglandins, which means that pain and inflammation are reduced.
The ability to block the formation of prostaglandin, is what makes Nurofen effective at relieving different types of pain in the body. It’s also why anti-inflammatories are said to provide pain relief at the site of pain, regardless of whether they are taken as tablets, or rubbed onto the skin as gels or creams.
How is ibuprofen different to other painkillers?
Whilst ibuprofen blocks prostaglandins at sites of injury and pain, paracetamol appears to work in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to reduce pain. Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties, whereas paracetamol does not.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can work well together when taken for certain types of pain. Always follow the patient information leaflet for both prior to taking them together.
Aspirin works in a similar way to ibuprofen. It reduces pain and fever. However, it’s not suitable for children under the age of 16. Ibuprofen may be given to children from 3 months to reduce pain and fever. Aspirin can be taken in low doses for certain types of heart conditions.
This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.
RKT-M-09658
