Last reviewed · How we verify
Ibuprofen (Advil)
Ibuprofen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce the production of prostaglandins, thereby decreasing inflammation, pain, and fever.
Ibuprofen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce the production of prostaglandins, thereby decreasing inflammation, pain, and fever. Used for Mild to moderate pain, Fever reduction, Inflammation associated with headache, muscular aches, backache, minor arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and the common cold.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ibuprofen (Advil) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Bayer |
| Drug class | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) |
| Target | COX-1 and COX-2 |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management, Inflammation |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that non-selectively inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. By blocking these enzymes, it reduces prostaglandin synthesis, which are key mediators of inflammation, pain signaling, and fever regulation. This mechanism makes it effective for mild to moderate pain and inflammatory conditions.
Approved indications
- Mild to moderate pain
- Fever reduction
- Inflammation associated with headache, muscular aches, backache, minor arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and the common cold
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain)
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Increased risk of cardiovascular events (with chronic use)
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (with chronic use)
Key clinical trials
- Immediate Restoration of a New Implant With High Primary Stability (NA)
- Efficacy of Chemically Distinct Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Pain Phenotypes in Adhesive Capsulitis (NA)
- Jaw Muscle Pain Post Wisdom Molar Surgery (PHASE2)
- Paracervical Block With Combined Ketorolac and Lidocaine for Osmotic Dilator Placement (PHASE2)
- Comparing Over the Counter Pain Medicines for Discomfort in Crohn's Disease (AVID-CD) (NA)
- ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) and Multimodal Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- Open-label Placebo (COLP) for Pain in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Surgery+Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis (NA)
- A Bioequivalence Study of Advil Tablet (Mini) (Ibuprofen 200 mg) Versus Advil Tablet (Ibuprofen 200 mg) in Healthy Adult Subjects Under Fasted Conditions and Bioavailability Assessment of Advil Tablet (Mini) Under Fed Conditions (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |