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. 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. Detailed Ibuprofen dosage information for adults and children. Includes dosages for Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and more; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments. View ibuprofen information, including dose, uses, side-effects, renal impairment, pregnancy, breast feeding, contra-indications and important safety information. 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). Ibuprofen is used to decrease pain from various conditions such as headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and dysmenorrhea symptoms such as cramps. It is also used to reduce fever. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help you feel better when you have a headache, muscle aches or other minor aches and pains. It also treats conditions that cause inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis. 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. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) treats minor aches and pains caused by the common cold, headaches, toothaches, back or muscle aches.