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Ibuprofen

Generic Name
Ibuprofen
Brand Names
Addaprin, Advil, Advil Cold and Sinus, Advil Congestion Relief, Advil PM, Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain, Alivio, Caldolor, Cedaprin, Children's Ibuprofen, Diphen, Duexis, Ibu, Ibutab, Junior Strength Motrin, Motrin, Motrin PM, Neoprofen, Nuprin, Pedea, Proprinal, Reprexain, Sudafed PE Head Congestion Plus Pain, Vicoprofen, Wal-profen Congestion Relief and Pain, Ibuprofen Gen.Orph
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C13H18O2
CAS Number
15687-27-1
Unique Ingredient Identifier
WK2XYI10QM

Overview

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) derived from propionic acid and it is considered the first of the propionics. The formula of ibuprofen is 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid and its initial development was in 1960 while researching for a safer alternative for aspirin. Ibuprofen was finally patented in 1961 and this drug was first launched against rheumatoid arthritis in the UK in 1969 and USA in 1974. It was the first available over-the-counter NSAID. On the available products, ibuprofen is administered as a racemic mixture. Once administered, the R-enantiomer undergoes extensive interconversion to the S-enantiomer in vivo by the activity of the alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase. In particular, it is generally proposed that the S-enantiomer is capable of eliciting stronger pharmacological activity than the R-enantiomer.

Indication

Ibuprofen is the most commonly used and prescribed NSAID. It is a very common over-the-counter medication widely used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. The use of ibuprofen and its enantiomer Dexibuprofen in a racemic mix is common for the management of mild to moderate pain related to dysmenorrhea, headache, migraine, postoperative dental pain, spondylitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and soft tissue disorder. Due to its activity against prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis, ibuprofen has been attributed to alteration of platelet function and prolongation of gestation and labour. As ibuprofen is a widely used medication, the main therapeutic indications are:

Associated Conditions

  • Acute Pain
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
  • Common Cold
  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
  • Fever
  • Gastric Ulcer
  • Gout
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
  • Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea)
  • Migraine
  • Mild pain
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Pain
  • Pain, Inflammatory
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
  • Pericarditis
  • Primary Dysmenorrhoea
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Severe Pain
  • Sinus pressure
  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Minor aches and pains
  • Moderate Pain

Research Report

Published: Jul 11, 2025

A Comprehensive Monograph on Ibuprofen (DB01050): From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Application and Synthesis

I. Introduction and Historical Context: The Genesis of a Modern Analgesic

Ibuprofen stands as one of the most widely used pharmaceutical agents in modern medicine, a cornerstone of pain and inflammation management available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations worldwide. Its journey from a laboratory compound to a household name is a compelling narrative of targeted drug discovery, evolving pharmacological understanding, and the perpetual quest for a balance between efficacy and safety. Classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Ibuprofen functions as a non-narcotic analgesic, an anti-inflammatory agent, and an antipyretic.[1] Chemically, it is the prototypical member of the propionic acid class of NSAIDs, a group of compounds that share a common structural and mechanistic heritage.[1]

A. The Quest for a Safer Aspirin

The development of Ibuprofen was not a product of serendipity but of a deliberate and focused research program initiated in 1953 at the Boots Pure Drug Company Ltd. in Nottingham, UK.[4] The project was led by pharmacologist Dr. Stewart Adams, who was tasked with a clear and challenging objective: to discover a novel therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that possessed potent anti-inflammatory properties but was devoid of the significant adverse effects associated with the two main therapies of the era—corticosteroids and aspirin.[4]

Continue reading the full research report

Clinical Trials

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Title
Posted
Study ID
Phase
Status
Sponsor
2018/10/09
Phase 2
Terminated
2018/10/05
Not Applicable
UNKNOWN
2018/10/04
Phase 2
Completed
2018/10/03
Phase 1
Completed
Medherant Ltd
2018/10/02
Phase 3
UNKNOWN
2018/10/02
Phase 2
Completed
Tianjin XinChen-Techfields Pharma Co., LTD.
2018/08/27
Phase 1
Terminated
2018/08/21
Phase 1
Completed
Medherant Ltd
2018/08/15
Phase 4
Completed
2018/08/09
Phase 4
UNKNOWN

FDA Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
H.J. Harkins Company, Inc.
52959-076
ORAL
600 mg in 1 1
12/8/2011
NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
68071-2939
ORAL
400 mg in 1 1
4/10/2023
RPK Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
53002-3370
ORAL
400 mg in 1 1
4/18/2019
Polygen Pharmaceuticals LLC
52605-122
ORAL
600 mg in 1 1
10/20/2011
Aurobindo Pharma Limited
59651-032
ORAL
100 mg in 5 mL
7/15/2023
Dispensing Solutions, Inc.
66336-430
ORAL
400 mg in 1 1
7/2/2013
REMEDYREPACK INC.
70518-0005
ORAL
800 mg in 1 1
1/3/2024
NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
68071-3552
ORAL
800 mg in 1 1
12/7/2023
DISCOUNT DRUG MART
53943-112
ORAL
200 mg in 1 1
5/15/2025
NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
68071-3172
ORAL
400 mg in 1 1
10/12/2023

EMA Drug Approvals

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Status
Issued Date
No EMA approvals found for this drug.

HSA Drug Approvals

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Approval Number
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Approval Date
No HSA approvals found for this drug.

NMPA Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Company
Approval Number
Drug Type
Dosage Form
Approval Date
Ibuprofen Soft Capsules
国药准字H20223377
化学药品
软胶囊剂
6/7/2022
Ibuprofen Dispersible Tablets
国药准字H20010344
化学药品
片剂(分散)
4/15/2020
Ibuprofen Dispersible Tablets
国药准字H20100189
化学药品
片剂(分散)
4/15/2020
Ibuprofen Tablets
国药准字H21021323
化学药品
片剂
5/9/2020
Ibuprofen Tablets
国药准字H61021456
化学药品
片剂(薄膜衣)
1/15/2021
Ibuprofen Tablets
国药准字H44021099
化学药品
片剂
1/13/2020
Ibuprofen Tablets
国药准字H21020834
化学药品
片剂
6/4/2020
Ibuprofen Tablets
国药准字H21022510
化学药品
片剂
5/9/2020
Ibuprofen Tablets
国药准字H22022204
化学药品
片剂
4/25/2020
Ibuprofen Tablets
国药准字H34021625
化学药品
片剂
3/31/2020

PPB Drug Approvals

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No PPB approvals found for this drug.

TGA Drug Approvals

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