Ibuprofen is used to relieve the pain, inflammation (swelling), tenderness, and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve headaches, backache, aches and pains from the common cold, menstrual pain, muscle aches, and pain after surgery or dental work.

Special precautions

Before taking ibuprofen,

• If you drink 3 or more alcohol drinks every day, ask your doctor if you should take ibuprofen. You should not drink alcoholic beverages while taking ibuprofen.
• You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ibuprofen.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ibuprofen, call your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; any stomach problems; high blood pressure; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking anticoagulants ('blood thinners' Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using ibuprofen unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.

Side effects

Although side effects from ibuprofen are not common, they can occur:

• gas
• diarrhea
• constipation
• vomiting
• stomach pain or cramps
• upset stomach
• nervousness
• dizziness
• headache

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
• blurred vision
• ringing in the ears
• bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
• bloody vomit

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to ibuprofen.