NHS information about ibuprofen for adults, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain, and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) treats minor aches and pains caused by the common cold, headaches, toothaches, back or muscle aches. Find out the differences between acetaminophen and ibuprofen and discover risks and benefits and how they may affect health. GoodRx’s guide to ibuprofen dosages for adults includes information on the different forms of ibuprofen, dosage adjustments, and more. Prescription ibuprofen is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints). Learn about the side effects of ibuprofen, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. Ibuprofen is used primarily to treat fever (including post-vaccination fever), mild to moderate pain (including pain relief after surgery), painful menstruation, osteoarthritis, dental pain, headaches, and pain from kidney stones. Overview: Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever, pain, and swelling. It works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. Common side effects include stomach. View ibuprofen information, including dose, uses, side-effects, renal impairment, pregnancy, breast feeding, contra-indications and important safety information.