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ibuprofen

American  
[ahy-byoo-proh-fuhn, ahy-byoo-proh-fen] / ˌaɪ byuˈproʊ fən, aɪˈbyu proʊˌfɛn /

noun

Pharmacology.
  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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ibuprofen Scientific  
/ ī′byo̅o̅-prōfən /
  1. An anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce fever or pain.


Etymology

Origin of ibuprofen

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ibuprofen also appears to influence cancer-related genes such as HIF-1α, NFκB, and STAT3, which help tumor cells survive in low-oxygen conditions and resist treatment.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

Ibuprofen is not usually recommended, unless it's prescribed by a doctor, especially if someone is more than 20 weeks pregnant, because it can affect the baby's circulation and kidney function.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2025

Ibuprofen, the chemical name for Advil, is supposed to be stored at 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

From Washington Times • May 5, 2023

Some stocks have been replenished, Reuters found on a visit, with cold relief drugs like Ibuprofen available at many pharmacies.

From Reuters • Dec. 10, 2022

At an urgent care clinic, a doctor diagnosed it as a “viral syndrome” and told her to rest, stay hydrated and take Ibuprofen.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2020

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