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Is ibuprofen an anti-inflammatory drug?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 4, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug from the drug class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), that works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

It is often used to lessen pain and swelling from conditions such as muscle aches, arthritis, backache, menstrual cramps, and toothaches.

Ibuprofen is also used for fevers, headaches, and body aches from the flu.

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Ibuprofen is short acting, while naproxen is long acting and more likely to cause an upset stomach. Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs so they are similar in many ways, but there are important differences. Continue reading

Even though aspirin and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and work similarly, there are several differences between the two drugs and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading

Despite popular belief that you have to take ibuprofen with food, you can take ibuprofen on an empty stomach and this will give you faster pain relief than taking it with food. Food increases the time it takes for ibuprofen to be absorbed, although it won't affect how much is absorbed. There is actually no evidence that taking ibuprofen with food prevents gastric irritation – ibuprofen at OTC doses has a low incidence of gastric irritation anyway. Continue reading

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