Ibuprofen is a painkiller that helps relieve pain and reduce swelling (inflammation). You can buy most types from shops and pharmacies, but some types are only available with a prescription. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. [7] This includes painful menstrual periods, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis. [7] It can be taken orally (by mouth) or intravenously. [7] It typically begins working within an hour. [7] 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. 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). 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. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can reduce a fever and also treats mild to moderate pain, inflammation and arthritis. Ibuprofen is a pain medicine used to manage mild to moderate pain, fever, inflammation, menstrual cramps, and types of arthritis. Common side effects are drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and ringing in the ears. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. Find out more about its effects and who should avoid it. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) treats minor aches and pains caused by the common cold, headaches, toothaches, back or muscle aches. Ibuprofen is used to treat mild to moderate pain, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). Ibuprofen works by blocking the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.