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Drugs and Medicinal Substances

Ibuprofen

Musculoskeletal System Agents

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. This includes painful menstrual periods, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Facts
Drug Class
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 1
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, decreasing synthesis of prostaglandins involved in mediating inflammation, pain, fever, and swelling. 1
Approved Use
Relieves pain, fever and inflammation, including painful menstrual periods, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis. 1
First Approved / Isolated Year
1961 1
Significant Risk
Heartburn, nausea, indigestion and abdominal pain; potential gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, liver failure, and increased cardiovascular risk with long-term high-dose use. 1
Classification
Approval Status
Approved 1
ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own account
M: Musculo-Skeletal System 2
Route of Administration
Oral 3
WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account
Core List 4
Connections

Long-Form Articles

The Boots Chemist Who Tested Ibuprofen on His Own Hangover, Articles

Treats

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Conditions
Source Ibuprofen (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Ibuprofen (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • Lead section
    painful menstrual periods, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Infobox, drug class
    Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
  • Pharmacology section
    inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes
  • History section
    Discovered in 1961; first sold in the United Kingdom in 1969
  • Adverse effects section
    gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, liver failure
  • Regulatory approval status
View the Source
2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code M
Quote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code M
Musculo-skeletal system
View the Source
3. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibuprofen, lead section
Quote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibuprofen, lead section
ual periods, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis. It can be taken orally or intravenously. It typically begins working within an hour.
View the Source
4. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Medicines for acute migraine attacks section
Quote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Medicines for acute migraine attacks section
Ibuprofen
View the Source
Frequently Asked Questions

Who discovered ibuprofen, and when did it reach patients?

A Boots team led by Stewart Adams, patent filed in 1961; launched in the United Kingdom in 1969 and the United States in 1974.

Ibuprofen was derived from propionic acid by the research arm of Boots Group during the 1960s. The molecule was discovered and synthesized by a team led by Stewart Adams, with a patent application filed in 1961. It was launched as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the United Kingdom in 1969, and in the United States in 1974.

Is ibuprofen recommended during pregnancy?

Not recommended in later pregnancy, and the National Health Service advises against more than 3 days of use.

Its safety in early pregnancy is unclear, and it appears to be harmful in later pregnancy, so it is not recommended during that period. The National Health Service recommends against the use of ibuprofen for more than 3 days in pregnancy as it can affect the fetus's kidneys and circulatory system. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
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