ibuprofen

Everyday

Ibuprofen is a common medicine that reduces pain, fever and swelling, sold as tablets or liquid under names like Nurofen or Advil. tree →

In the lessons

In health and safety lessons, children learn that medicines like ibuprofen must be given by an adult, at the right dose for age and weight, and never taken from someone else's packet. It is often used for headaches, toothache, sprains and fevers. Common phrases: «take ibuprofen», «children's ibuprofen», «a dose of ibuprofen».

Examples

• Mum gave me some children's ibuprofen for my fever. tree →
• Ibuprofen helped the swelling in my sprained ankle go down. tree →
• Always ask an adult before taking ibuprofen. tree →
• The doctor said to take ibuprofen with food. tree →
• The pharmacist checked the right dose of ibuprofen. tree →
• Dad took ibuprofen for his toothache. tree →
• Read the label: the dose of ibuprofen depends on age. tree →

Note

Uncountable (some ibuprofen, not «an ibuprofen» — though people say «an ibuprofen tablet»). Say eye-byoo-PRO-fen. It is not the same as paracetamol (called acetaminophen in the USA). Safety: never take more than the label says.