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. Detailed Ibuprofen dosage information for adults and children. Includes dosages for Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and more; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments. Ibuprofen, an analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), [1] is sold under many brand names around the world. The most common are Brufen (its earliest registered trademark), Advil, Motrin, and Nurofen. [2][3][4][5][6] 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: learn about side effects, dosage, special precautions, and more on MedlinePlus 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. 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.