How long does ibuprofen take to work?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 20, 2022.

Ibuprofen takes about 20 to 30 minutes to start working and its maximum effects are usually seen within 1 to 2 hours. For some people who have had pain for weeks or months, it may take several days of regular dosing before you notice some relief.

Food can increase the time it takes for ibuprofen to be absorbed, although it won’t affect how much is absorbed. Taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach may give you faster symptom relief, although it may increase the risk of stomach-related side effects, such as indigestion.

One dose of ibuprofen provides pain relief for four to six hours. But it may take at least 10 hours for your body to completely rid your system of ibuprofen. This is because it has a half life of 1.9 to 2.2 hours and experts generally agree it takes 4 to 5 half lives for your body to completely eliminate ibuprofen, which equals approximately 10 hours.

References

• Ibuprofen. Revised 05/2022. Slate Run Pharmaceuticals, LLC https://www.drugs.com/pro/ibuprofen.html

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Drug information

• Ibuprofen Information for Consumers
• Ibuprofen Information for Healthcare Professionals
  (includes dosage details)
• Side Effects of Ibuprofen
  (detailed)

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Medical Disclaimer

How Long Does Ibuprofen Take to Work?

Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It’s typically taken to help ease symptoms like pain, inflammation, and fever.

Ibuprofen is sold under the brand names Advil, Motrin, and Midol, among others.

This drug works by inhibiting an enzyme that helps produce compounds called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are associated with pain and inflammation in the body.

But how long do the effects of ibuprofen take to work? And what dosage is both safe and effective?

Ibuprofen is commonly taken to help ease pain, fever, and inflammation.

Common conditions that ibuprofen is used for include:

• headache
• muscle aches and pains
• menstrual cramps
• arthritis
• backache
• toothache
• minor injuries

For acute conditions, like a headache, ibuprofen will likely only be taken once or twice over the short term.

For chronic conditions, like back pain or arthritis, ibuprofen may need to be taken regularly for weeks or months at a time.

Generally it takes about 30 minutes for you to begin feeling the effects of ibuprofen. However, this timeframe can vary from one person to the next, and for different reasons.

When ibuprofen begins to work, you’ll typically start to notice a decrease in pain or fever. The anti-inflammatory effects of ibuprofen usually take longer — sometimes a week or more.

Ibuprofen levels in your bloodstream are estimated to be at their maximum level after 1 to 2 hours.

However, ibuprofen is quickly cleared from your body. This is one of the reasons why — depending on the condition that’s being treated — you may need to take a dose every few hours.

The timing of ibuprofen levels appear to be similar in children. Younger children may clear ibuprofen from their system faster than adults.

Some people may experience symptom relief quickly while others find that it takes longer. This is because various factors can impact how long a drug takes to work.

Some factors that may affect how quickly ibuprofen takes to work for you include:

• the dosage that’s taken
• your weight
• your age
• your overall health
• if you have food in your stomach
• whether or not other drugs are taken at the same time

Over-the-counter (OTC) ibuprofen is typically available in 200-milligram (mg) pills.

It’s best to use the minimum dosage necessary to relieve your symptoms. Typically, one ibuprofen pill is taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. If one pill doesn’t work to ease symptoms, a second pill can be taken.

Don’t take more than 1,200 mg of ibuprofen in one day. For OTC ibuprofen, this equates to a maximum of 6 pills per day.

Additionally, avoid taking ibuprofen for longer than 10 days, unless directed to do so by your doctor.

A common side effect of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is an upset stomach. Because of this, it may be helpful to take ibuprofen with food or milk.

Dosage for children

Ibuprofen can be given to children as a liquid solution, chewable tablet, or pill. Which form is recommended will depend on the child’s age.

The dosage of ibuprofen in children under age 12 is based on the child’s body weight.

If your child needs to take ibuprofen, ask their pediatrician for the recommended dosage and how often it needs to be taken.

While ibuprofen is generally safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. You’ll want to avoid taking ibuprofen if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin, or another type of NSAID in the past
• have a peptic ulcer, or had one in the past
• are about to have or have recently had a surgical procedure
• are pregnant

Ibuprofen can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, heart attack, and stroke.

It may also interact with other medications you’re taking. Because of this, it’s important to talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen if you:

• are 60 or older
• frequently experience symptoms like:
  • heartburn
  • stomach pain
  • stomach upset
• have a history of:
  • high blood pressure
  • heart disease
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
  • asthma
• have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning drugs
• use other types of medications, particularly:
  • diuretics
  • steroids
  • other NSAIDs

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re not sure if ibuprofen is safe for you.

As with most medications, ibuprofen can have some side effects, especially if it’s taken at a higher dosage, or over a longer period of time.

The most common side effects include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• indigestion
• abdominal pain

Less common side effects include:

• bloating
• dizziness
• tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• a rash or hives
• blurry vision

Taking too much ibuprofen can be dangerous. Some signs that you’ve taken too much ibuprofen include:

• black stool
• vomit that contains blood
• shallow breathing or difficulty breathing
• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• rapid heartbeat
• a severe headache
• urinary issues, such as bloody urine or urinating very little
• convulsions
• seizures

If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Let the medical personnel know that you’ve been taking ibuprofen, ideally bringing the product packaging along with you.

Ibuprofen isn’t the only type of NSAID available. There are other options you can try if you’re unsure about taking ibuprofen.

In addition to ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen (Aleve) are also available over the counter. Remember that aspirin should never be given to children and adolescents due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Some NSAIDs are only available with a prescription. A few examples of these include:

• celecoxib (Celebrex)
• diclofenac (Voltaren)
• feneoprofen (Nalfon)
• indomethacin (Indocin)
• ketorolac (Toradol)

If you’re not sure which NSAID is right for you, talk to your doctor. Based on your medical history and current medications, your doctor can recommend an NSAID that’s safe and appropriate for you to take.

Ibuprofen can be taken to help ease symptoms like pain, inflammation, and fever.

While the amount of time it takes for ibuprofen to work can vary, it usually takes about half an hour to start feeling symptom relief.

Adults can take a dose of OTC ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours. When taking ibuprofen, be sure not to exceed the maximum daily dosage or to take it for more than 10 days. Dosing for children depends on body weight.

Ibuprofen may not be recommended if you have certain health conditions or are taking specific medications. If you have questions or concerns about taking ibuprofen, speak with your doctor.

When to use ibuprofen and how quickly it starts to work

Ibuprofen has proven to be a popular and effective remedy for even severe pain. Does ibuprofen bring down the temperature – yes, and very effectively. In addition to the antipyretic and analgesic effect, it has a good anti-inflammatory effect. The drug is used to treat acute respiratory infections, chronic pain and inflammation of the joints, spine and other diseases.

Indications for use

According to the instructions, the drug is used for use as a symptomatic treatment of the following pathologies:

• rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, injuries, neuritis, myalgia;
• otitis, SARS, influenza;
• infectious diseases and hyperthermia after vaccination in a child;
• adnexitis, painful menses;
• dental pain, migraine.

Ibuprofen belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like Paracetamol. But it is more effective, it is not metabolized into side toxic substances.

Does ibuprofen help with fever

The drug has a good antipyretic effect, but does not affect the etiology of fever itself.

How long does it take for adults

Adults and children over 6 years of age are prescribed 200 mg tablets 3-4 times a day after meals. The medicine in the form of a cream or ointment is applied topically to the diseased area of ​​​​the body with a thin layer 3-4 times a day. How long does ibuprofen work: the effect begins half an hour after ingestion, and the maximum amount of the drug in plasma is detected 2 hours after ingestion.

When does it start to work in children?

A child from the age of three months is prescribed the drug in syrup, after ingestion, how quickly Ibuprofen acts – the effect appears within 15 minutes. The tablet after taking it does not act so quickly – after 30-60 minutes, the maximum amount of the substance in the blood appears after 2-4 hours. The dosage for a child under 6 years of age is calculated at 30 mg per kilogram of weight. How long ibuprofen acts is within 6-8 hours, so the frequency of use is 3-4 times a day.

It is important to remember that you should not take this over-the-counter medicine for as long as you want. You can bring down the high temperature and alleviate other symptoms on your own for 2-3 days. If there is no improvement or there is a deterioration, then you need to seek medical help. For example, you can ask a question to a doctor online and decide on further treatment tactics.

There are contraindications. Specialist consultation is required.

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How long does ibuprofen last? – The health of your body

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Ibuprofen is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is usually taken to relieve symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and fever.

Ibuprofen is sold under the brand names Advil, Motrin and Midol among others.

This drug works by inhibiting an enzyme that helps produce compounds called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are associated with pain and inflammation in the body.

But how long should the effect of ibuprofen last? And what dose is safe and effective?

contents

What is ibuprofen used for?

Ibuprofen is usually taken to relieve pain, fever and inflammation.

Common conditions for which ibuprofen is used include:

• headache
• muscle aches and pains
• menstrual cramps
• artritis
• back pain

900 09 toothache

• minor injuries

In acute conditions, such as headaches, ibuprofen should probably only be taken once or twice in a short time.

If you have chronic conditions such as back pain or arthritis, you may need to take ibuprofen regularly for weeks or months.

How long does it take to get to work?

It generally takes about 30 minutes to start feeling the effects of ibuprofen. However, this period can vary from person to person and for various reasons.

When ibuprofen starts to work, you will usually notice a reduction in pain or fever. The anti-inflammatory effect of ibuprofen usually lasts longer, sometimes a week or more.

Blood levels of ibuprofen are estimated to be at their highest after 1 to 2 hours.

However, ibuprofen is rapidly excreted from the body. This is one of the reasons why, depending on the condition being treated, you may need to take a dose every few hours.

The timing of ibuprofen in children is similar. Young children can clear ibuprofen from the body faster than adults.

What can affect how long you have to work?

Some people may experience relief of symptoms quickly, while others may find it takes longer. This is because various factors can affect how long a drug should work.

Some factors that may affect your ibuprofen course include:

• dose to take
• your weight
• your age
• your general health
• if you have food in your stomach 90 010
• accepted other medicines at the same time or not

What is the typical dose?

OTC ibuprofen is commonly available in 200 milligram (mg) tablets.

It is best to use the lowest dose needed to relieve symptoms. Typically, one ibuprofen tablet is taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. If one tablet does not help relieve symptoms, another tablet may be taken.

Do not take more than 1,200 mg of ibuprofen per day. For over-the-counter ibuprofen, this is a maximum of 6 tablets per day.

Also, avoid taking ibuprofen for more than 10 days unless your doctor tells you to.

A common side effect of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is stomach upset. Therefore, it may be helpful to take ibuprofen with food or milk.

Pediatric dosage

Ibuprofen can be given to children as a liquid solution, chewable tablets or tablets. Which form is recommended will depend on the age of the child.

The dosage of ibuprofen in children under 12 years of age depends on the child’s body weight.

If your child needs to take ibuprofen, ask your pediatrician for the recommended dose and how often to take it.

Who should avoid taking ibuprofen?

Although ibuprofen is generally safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. You want to avoid ibuprofen if:

• they have had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another type of NSAID in the past
• have a peptic ulcer or have had one in the past
• upcoming or recent surgery
• pregnant

Ibuprofen may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, heart attack and exposure.

It may also interact with other medicines you are taking. Therefore, it is important that you talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen if:

• 60 years of age or older
• frequent symptoms such as:
  • heartburn
  • stomach pain
  • indigestion
• history of:
  • high blood pressure
  • heart disease
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
  • asthma 90 010
• you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners
• use other types of medicines, especially:
  • diuretics
  • steroids
  • other non-steroidal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if ibuprofen is safe for you.

What are the side effects?

Like most medicines, ibuprofen can have some side effects, especially if taken at a higher dose or for a long period of time.

The most common side effects are:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• abdominal pain

Less common side effects include:

• bloating
• dizziness
• tinnitus
• rash or rash
• blurred vision

Taking too much ibuprofen can be dangerous. Here are some signs that you have taken too much ibuprofen:

• black stools
• bloody vomiting
• shallow breathing or difficulty breathing
• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• heart palpitations
• severe headache
• urinary problems such as bloody urine or very little urination
• convulsions
• seizures

If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Tell the medical staff that you are taking ibuprofen, ideally with the container of the product with you.

Other types of NSAIDs

Ibuprofen is not the only type of NSAID available. There are other options you can try if you are not sure if you are taking ibuprofen.

In addition to ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen (alive) are also available by prescription. Remember that aspirin should never be given to children and teenagers because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Some NSAIDs are available by prescription only. Some examples of this include:

• celecoxib (Celebrex)
• diclofenac (Voltaren)
• feneoprofen (Nalfon)
• indomethacin (Indocin)
• ketorolac (Toradol)

by your doctor. Based on your medical history and current medications, your doctor may recommend a non-steroidal non-steroidal drug that is safe and appropriate for you.

Essence

Ibuprofen can be taken to relieve symptoms such as pain, inflammation and fever.