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This Week - I : Ibuprofen

It's available as tablets, capsules, granules and as a liquid that you swallow. It also comes as a gel, mousse and spray that you rub into your skin.

Ibuprofen is combined with other painkillers in some products. It's an ingredient in some cold and flu remedies, such as Nurofen Cold and Flu.

You can buy most types of ibuprofen from pharmacies and supermarkets. Some types are only available on prescription.

Key facts

• Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body.
• It takes 20 to 30 minutes to work if you take it by mouth, and 1 to 2 days to work if you put it on your skin.
• Ibuprofen is typically used for pains such as toothache. Some people find ibuprofen better than paracetamol for back pain.
• Always take ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules and liquid with food or a drink of milk to reduce the chance of an upset stomach. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
• If you're taking tablets, capsules, granules or liquid, take the lowest dose to control your pain for the shortest possible time. Do not take it for more than 10 days (or 3 days if you're under 18) unless you've spoken to your doctor. Do not use the gel, mousse or spray for more than 2 weeks without talking to your doctor.

Who can take ibuprofen

Most adults and young people aged 17 and over can take ibuprofen.

For under-17s, read our information on ibuprofen for children.

Who may not be able to take ibuprofen

Do not take ibuprofen by mouth or apply it to your skin if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction or symptoms like wheezing, runny nose or skin reactions after taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen

To make sure ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have ever had bleeding in your stomach or a hole (perforation) in your stomach caused by an NSAID
• have had a hole (perforation) in your stomach, bleeding in your stomach or a stomach ulcer more than once
• have a health problem that means you have an increased chance of bleeding
• have severe heart failure, severe kidney failure or severe liver failure
• have high blood pressure that's not under control
• have heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure, or have ever had a stroke
• have kidney or liver problems
• have asthma, hay fever or allergies
• have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• have chickenpox - taking ibuprofen can increase the chance of certain infections and skin reactions

If you're over 65, ibuprofen can make you more likely to get stomach ulcers. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to protect your stomach if you're taking ibuprofen for a long-term condition.

To make sure ibuprofen applied to the skin is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• kidney problems
• asthma, hay fever or allergies
• a stomach ulcer

If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.