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Drug Info

What is ibuprofen made of?

Learn what goes into creating this commonly used generic NSAID and how it works
Karen Berger medical writer and reviewer headshot
By | Nov. 22, 2024
A bottle with oval tablets spilling out of it: What is ibuprofen made of?

Key takeaways

  • Ibuprofen is a generic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve symptoms of pain, inflammation (swelling), and fever. Common brand names of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. 

  • Ibuprofen, originally patented in 1961, is derived from a naturally occurring chemical called propionic acid. 

  • Ibuprofen can be used to relieve symptoms of many conditions, such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, and back pain. 

  • Common side effects include constipation, gas, bloating, dizziness, nervousness, and ringing in the ears.

  • Ibuprofen is not safe for everyone, so check with your healthcare provider before taking it.

In this article:

Ibuprofen, also known by the brand names Advil and Motrin, is a generic medication that is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Ibuprofen is available in various formulations, including brand and generic. It is available over the counter in lower doses and by prescription in higher doses. There are also various dosage forms such as tablets, chewable tablets, and oral liquid. Ibuprofen is commonly used for pain relief, inflammation (swelling), and fever. If you or your child has ever taken ibuprofen, you may be wondering, what is ibuprofen made of? The answer is that ibuprofen comes from a naturally occurring chemical called propionic acid. Keep reading to learn more about this popular medicine.

Ibuprofen ingredients

While there are various brand-name and generic over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products that contain ibuprofen as an active ingredient (the ingredient in a medication that makes it work), keep in mind that all medications also contain inactive ingredients. 

An inactive ingredient is any ingredient in a medication other than the active ingredient. For example, Motrin, Advil, and store-brand ibuprofen all contain ibuprofen as the active ingredient, but they may differ in their inactive ingredients. While the inactive ingredients generally do not affect most people, certain individuals may need to be more aware of inactive ingredients due to allergies, sensitivities, or certain medical conditions. 

Ibuprofen was initially patented in 1961, so it has been around for many years. There are several different ways to classify medicines within the NSAID group of drugs. One way that used to be popular was to classify NSAIDs by their chemical makeup. Ibuprofen was among the NSAIDs derived from propionic acid. Other propionic acid derivatives include: 

  • Naproxen, which is available in OTC and prescription forms, and is commonly known as Aleve in its OTC form
  • Ketoprofen (available by prescription in generic form, but the brand-name form, Orudis, is no longer made)
  • Flurbiprofen (available by prescription in generic form, but the brand-name form, Ansaid, is no longer made)

How ibuprofen works in the body

The way ibuprofen works is by blocking the body from making substances called prostaglandins, which cause pain, inflammation, and fever. By blocking the production of prostaglandins, ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms of many conditions, such as:

Are ibuprofen and Tylenol (acetaminophen) the same? 

A common question is whether ibuprofen and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are the same. Both medications can help with fever (antipyretic effect) and pain (analgesic effect). However, ibuprofen can also help with inflammation or swelling, while Tylenol can’t. All NSAIDs have an anti-inflammatory effect, but acetaminophen does not.

Ibuprofen side effects 

The most common side effects of ibuprofen include:

  • Constipation 
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Dizziness
  • Nervousness
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

This is not a full list of side effects. Read more about ibuprofen’s side effects. 

Ibuprofen warnings

  • Ibuprofen has a black box warning stating that NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, which can cause death. NSAIDs can also cause stomach problems, such as bleeding, ulceration (sores), and perforation (holes) of the stomach or intestines, which can cause death. Ibuprofen should not be used before or after a surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
  • In rare cases, ibuprofen can cause serious allergic or skin reactions. Some reactions may also affect the organs. Get emergency medical help if you have hives, trouble breathing, swelling, fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash, or blistering or peeling skin. 
  • Ibuprofen can cause or worsen hypertension (high blood pressure). If you have high blood pressure, ask your healthcare provider if you need to monitor your blood pressure while taking ibuprofen.
  • Taking NSAIDs for a long time can cause renal (kidney) problems. You can discuss risks with your healthcare provider. You may be at greater risk if you take certain medications (such as a diuretic or ACE inhibitor), are an older adult, or already have kidney problems, liver problems, or heart failure.

Who should not use ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is not safe for everyone. Before taking ibuprofen, check with a healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions. You should not take ibuprofen if you:

  • Are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any NSAID (including a reaction of asthma or hives)
  • Have aspirin triad (people with all three conditions: asthma, aspirin allergy, and sinus problems with nasal polyps) 
  • Are having CABG surgery
  • Have had a recent heart attack
  • Have severe heart failure
  • Have severe kidney problems
  • Have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare provider before using ibuprofen. Typically, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are not recommended during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

There are certain people who may be able to take ibuprofen but should check with a healthcare provider first. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider whether it is safe for you to take ibuprofen if you:

  • Are 65 years or older
  • Have kidney problems
  • Have liver problems
  • Have cardiovascular disease or are at risk for cardiovascular disease
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have heart failure
  • Have edema (fluid retention)
  • Are dehydrated
  • Have a blood clotting condition 
  • Smoke or drink alcohol
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Generally, healthcare providers will recommend taking ibuprofen at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible period of time, to help reduce the incidence and risk of side effects. 

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