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.

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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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Etymology

Origin of ibuprofen

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

Example Sentences

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

Many studies have found that mifepristone is as safe as ibuprofen and safer than Viagra.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2026

Those who reported taking at least 30 ibuprofen tablets per month had a 25% lower risk of developing endometrial cancer than those taking fewer than four tablets monthly.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

I reach for a bottle of ibuprofen and I shake some out.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh