How does ibuprofen work?

The science behind ibuprofen

Let’s begin with the basics – how does ibuprofen work? Ibuprofen helps relieve pain caused by inflammation. Inflammation predominantly occurs when you have an illness or injury, and your body produces various substances, including chemicals called ‘prostaglandins’.  When prostaglandins are released, they make nearby nerves more sensitive to pain – which serves to help your body realise something is wrong. So for example, when you put your hand on something sharp, the nearby nerves tell your brain, which sends a message that your hand hurts. As prostaglandins are involved with making tissues inflamed and swollen they are one of the reasons why you may experience a sore throat when sick or why a sprained ankle becomes swollen and painful.

Ibuprofen works by blocking the pathway that produces prostaglandins, which means inflammation is reduced and there is less sensitivity to pain. This is why ibuprofen belongs to the NSAID class, as it has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce pain and inflammation.

What are the different types of ibuprofen formulations available?

Ibuprofen comes in a range of different formulations. Two formulations are oral formulations, which are taken through the mouth, and topical formulations that are applied to the skin.

After taking an ibuprofen tablet or caplet, it ends up in your stomach where it begins to dissolve. As it dissolves, ibuprofen is released and absorbed into your bloodstream where it travels throughout the body and starts taking effect to help reduce pain and inflammation.

You may have taken ibuprofen previously and found yourself wondering how long ibuprofen takes to work? This depends on the formulation of medicine you’ve taken. In recent years, different formulations of ibuprofen have been developed, with two examples being ibuprofen lysine (Nurofen Quickzorb) and ibuprofen sodium dihydrate (Nurofen Zavance tablets/caplets). The ibuprofen sodium dihydrate formulation (Nurofen Zavance tablets and caplets) is absorbed up to twice as fast as standard Nurofen.

There are other formulations of Nurofen that have been specifically designed for children, such as Nurofen for Children suspensions, which can be used from 3 months of age, and Nurofen for Children 7 years+ soft chewable capsules which can be used from seven years of age.

Topical ibuprofen can be applied directly onto painful parts of the body and is absorbed into the skin at the site of pain.

Ibuprofen vs paracetamol: pain relievers which work differently

Pain relievers available in your supermarket or pharmacy can be divided into two groups:

• Those that mainly act at the site of the inflammation
• Those that are thought to mainly act centrally – that is, in the brain

Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other NSAIDs work by blocking pain signals mainly at the site of inflammation.

In comparison, paracetamol is a different class of pain reliever that is thought to act mainly in the central nervous system (the brain).

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? IBUPROFEN VS PARACETAMOL

What can ibuprofen be used for?

Ibuprofen can be used to provide temporary pain and inflammation relief associated with the following:

• Headaches
• Migraine headache
• Tension headache
• Muscle pain
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Period pain
• Dental pain
• Sinus pain
• Back pain
• Arthritic pain

Understanding the dosage of Nurofen

Adults and children over 12 years can take 2 standard Nurofen tablets (ibuprofen 200mg per tablet) initially, then 1–2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours when necessary, up to a maximum of 6 tablets in 24 hours. Children aged between 7–12 years can take 1 standard Nurofen tablet every 6 to 8 hours when necessary, up to a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours. For children aged 3 months or older, Nurofen for Children Suspensions can be given. Doses are according to age and weight, as indicated on the product label, and can be given every 6 to 8 hours when necessary. Ibuprofen should not be given to infants under 3 months of age. 

Non-pharmacological options for pain and inflammation management

Depending on your pain condition, non-medicinal options may also be suitable. For mild pain, heat/cold therapy may help.  An example is muscle sprain, where rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are recommended. Physiotherapy, massage, and acupuncture may also be suitable on certain occasions. Depending on what your doctor recommends, these methods may also be used whilst taking ibuprofen.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if unsure

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant or are aged over 65, you should talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen. There are other precautions associated with the use of ibuprofen. Therefore, it's important to always read the warnings on the product label for over-the-counter ibuprofen, and speak to your healthcare professional for any further advice. If you are experiencing any side effects from taking ibuprofen, speak to your doctor or pharmacist immediately, or call 000 in Australia or 111 in New Zealand if it’s a medical emergency.

Some medicines may not be right for you so always read the label before purchase and follow the directions for use. If you use medicines incorrectly, they can harm you. If your symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

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.  Do not use if you or your child has a stomach ulcer. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. 

NUROFEN® is a registered trademark of the Reckitt Benckiser Group of Companies. Level 1, 2 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, Auckland. 0800 40 30 30. Prepared December 2024. RKT-M-33893. TAPS NP22035.