Ibuprofen facts for kids

Ibuprofen
Systematic (IUPAC) name
(RS)-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propanoic acid
Quick facts for kids Identifiers
CAS number	15687-27-1
ATC code	M01AE01
PubChem	3672
DrugBank	APRD00372
ChemSpider	3544
Chemical data
Formula	C13H18O2
Mol. mass	206.28
SMILES	eMolecules & PubChem
Physical data
Melt. point	76 °C (169 °F)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	49–73%
Protein binding	99%
Metabolism	Hepatic (CYP2C9)
Half life	1.8–2 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Licence data	US FDA:link
Pregnancy cat.	C(AU) D(US)
Legal status	Unscheduled(AU) GSL(UK) OTC(US)
Routes	Oral, rectal, topical, and intravenous

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely marketed under various trademarks including Act-3, Advil, Brufen, Motrin, Nuprin, and Nurofen; a standing joke about some athletes' regular use has produced "Vitamin I" as a slang term for it. It is used for relief of symptoms of arthritis, primary dysmenorrhoea, and fever; and as an analgesic, especially where there is an inflammatory component. Ibuprofen was developed by the research arm of Boots Group.

Indications

Nurofen tablets on pharmacy shelf

Approved clinical indications for ibuprofen include:

• rheumatoid arthritis (DMARDs should also be considered)
• osteoarthritis, ibuprofen can reduce pain and, if present, joint inflammation
• juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, alone or with corticosteroids
• primary dysmenorrhoea (ibuprofen proved superior to placebo, aspirin, and propoxyphen)
• fever
• pericarditis, chiefly after mycardial infarction, to reduce pain, fever and inflammation
• minor aches and pains such as toothache, backache, fever and pain associated with common flu, symptomatic relief of influenza, shingles, and postoperative pain
• sport injuries and pain after mild to moderate trauma
• headache including mild to moderate migraine attacks

Images for kids

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  Example of some 200 mg ibuprofen tablets

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  The Royal Society of Chemistry blue plaque at BioCity Nottingham

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  A bottle of generic ibuprofen

See also

In Spanish: Ibuprofeno para niños