ibuprofen

American  

[ahy-byoo-proh-fuhn, ahy-byoo-proh-fen] / ˌaɪ bjuˈproʊ fən, aɪˈbju proʊˌfɛn /

noun

Pharmacology.

ibuprofens plural

1. a white powder, C 13 H 18 O 2 , used especially in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic.

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ibuprofen British  

/ aɪˈbjuːprəʊfən /

noun

1. a drug, isobutylphenylpropionic acid, that relieves pain and reduces inflammation: used to treat arthritis and muscular strains. Formula: C 13 H 18 O 2

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ibuprofen Scientific  

/ ī′byo̅o̅-prō′fən /

1. An anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce fever or pain.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ibuprofens
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ibuprofen

First recorded in 1965–70; by contraction, rearrangement and respelling of isobutylphenyl propionic acid, the chemical name

Example Sentences

But experts say ibuprofen could be a better choice for many because it is more effective at dealing with muscle cramps.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

Unfortunately, Danovich’s experience is all too common; patients receiving IUDs are frequently told to take ibuprofen, grin, and bear it.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2026

Avoid taking painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, according to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

China is the dominant supplier of pharmaceutical ingredients such as ibuprofen, used in painkillers, and certain antibiotics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Still, she was determined not to take ibuprofen because she was pregnant with Aurora and had heard it could hurt the baby.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden