Information last reviewed: May 2026 — for educational purposes only.
Ibuprofen — sold under the original brand name Motrin as well as Advil, Nurofen, and countless generics — is the world's most widely used NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is available without a prescription in 200 mg form at every pharmacy and grocery store in the US, and by prescription in 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg tablets for more intensive anti-inflammatory therapy. Ibuprofen relieves mild to moderate pain, reduces fever, and suppresses inflammation across a broad range of conditions including headache, menstrual cramps, dental pain, minor injuries, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What Is Ibuprofen (Motrin)?
Ibuprofen is a propionic acid-class NSAID that works by non-selectively inhibiting both COX-1 and COX-2 cyclooxygenase isoforms, thereby blocking prostaglandin synthesis. The result is reduced pain signal transmission, reduced fever mediation in the hypothalamus, and decreased inflammatory tissue response. Because ibuprofen inhibits COX-1 — which protects the stomach lining — GI irritation, gastritis, and ulcer risk are relevant concerns, especially with prolonged use or high prescription doses.
Ibuprofen also reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation (unlike aspirin's irreversible effect), meaning its antiplatelet action wears off once the drug clears the body. This is clinically important for patients also taking aspirin for cardiovascular protection: ibuprofen can competitively block aspirin's antiplatelet effect if taken simultaneously.
OTC vs. Prescription Status
The 200 mg OTC tablet is the standard self-care dose for adults — typically 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours, not exceeding 1,200 mg per day without medical supervision. Prescription doses of 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg are used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and management of moderate acute pain (e.g., acute renal colic or post-operative pain), with a maximum of 3,200 mg/day under physician supervision. Children's ibuprofen is available as suspension (100 mg/5 ml) and is dosed by weight.
Available Strengths and Forms
- 200 mg tablets/caplets — standard OTC dose; Advil, Motrin IB, generics
- 200 mg softgels (liquid-filled) — faster absorption OTC option
- 100 mg/5 ml children's suspension — weight-dosed; OTC
- 20 mg/ml infant drops — weight-dosed for infants ≥6 months; OTC
- 400 mg tablets (Rx) — mild-to-moderate art arthritis doses
- 600 mg tablets (Rx) — moderate arthritis or acute pain
- 800 mg tablets (Rx) — maximum single dose; arthritis and severe musculoskeletal pain
- Ibuprofen IV (Caldolor) — hospital-use intravenous formulation for pain and fever when oral route not available
Generic Ibuprofen Price
Generic ibuprofen is among the least expensive analgesics available. A 100-count bottle of 200 mg OTC ibuprofen costs only a few dollars at major pharmacies. Prescription 800 mg generic tablets cost very little per pill with insurance; even without insurance, pharmacy card programs price them well under $20 for a month's supply for most arthritis patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take ibuprofen with acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
Yes — ibuprofen and acetaminophen work through different pathways and can be combined safely in most healthy adults. Some clinical protocols for moderate acute pain alternate the two every 3 hours (e.g., taking ibuprofen at hour 0, acetaminophen at hour 3) for around-the-clock pain relief without exceeding doses of either drug. Always follow recommended dose limits for each.
What is the maximum safe OTC dose of ibuprofen for adults?
The OTC maximum is 1,200 mg per day in divided doses (no more than 400 mg at once every 4–6 hours) for a maximum of 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without physician direction. Prescription doses under medical supervision can go up to 3,200 mg per day for inflammatory arthritis. Always take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
Who should avoid ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen should be avoided or used with caution in patients with peptic ulcer disease, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, decompensated cirrhosis, or those on anticoagulants or corticosteroids. It should also be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and oligohydramnios.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication. See our full disclaimer.