What Is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen (sold in Singapore as Nurofen or Brufen) is an anti-inflammatory fever and pain medicine, often used alongside or instead of paracetamol. It works differently from paracetamol, which is why it suits some situations better and others worse. What it is, how it works, side effects, when not to use it, and how to store it.
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a medicine used to bring down fever, ease pain, and reduce inflammation. In Singapore it is most commonly sold as Nurofen for Children or Brufen Children's Suspension. Both contain the same active ingredient, ibuprofen, usually at 100 mg per 5 ml.
It belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). For a fever, it is often used as an alternative to paracetamol, or alongside it on a rotating schedule, when a fever is high or not settling with paracetamol alone.
How it works
Ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins, chemicals the body makes during illness or injury that contribute to fever, pain, and inflammation. Unlike paracetamol, which acts mainly in the brain, ibuprofen reduces prostaglandins throughout the body.
This wider effect is part of why ibuprofen can help with swelling and inflammation as well as fever, and also why it can irritate the stomach lining or affect the kidneys in some situations. It usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts around 6 to 8 hours.
Forms it comes in
The most common form for babies and young children. Nurofen and Brufen Children's Suspension are both 100 mg per 5 ml, but always check the label of the bottle you have.
Used for older children who can safely chew or swallow tablets, usually from school age.
Less commonly stocked than paracetamol suppositories, but available. Useful if your child is vomiting or refusing medicine by mouth.
→ How suppositories work, and how to give one
Side effects
The most common side effect is stomach upset, which is why ibuprofen should be given with food or milk. Some children may have mild tummy pain or feel slightly nauseous after a dose.
Less commonly, ibuprofen can affect the kidneys, especially in a child who is dehydrated or not drinking well, since the kidneys are already under more strain. This is one of the reasons fluids matter during a fever, not just for comfort.
→ Fever and dehydration: signs to watch for and what to offer
When not to use it
Ibuprofen is not suitable for every child or every illness. A few situations come up often enough to flag here:
- Babies under 3 months or under 5 kg: see a doctor before giving any fever medicine.
- If chickenpox is suspected: ibuprofen increases the risk of a serious skin infection.
- If dengue is suspected: ibuprofen and other NSAIDs increase bleeding risk. Use paracetamol instead.
- If your child is dehydrated, vomiting a lot, or not drinking well.
- If your child has asthma that has reacted to ibuprofen or aspirin before.
In these situations, paracetamol is usually the alternative. See the ibuprofen dosage guide for the full list, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Storing it safely
- Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Singapore's heat and humidity can affect some liquid medicines, so avoid leaving bottles in a car, on a windowsill, or near the kitchen stove.
- Keep medicine in its original container with the dosing syringe or cup, so the concentration and dose markings stay clear.
- Store it out of children's reach and sight, ideally in a cabinet rather than a bag or drawer a child can open.
- Check the expiry date before each use, and follow any "use within X months of opening" note on the label.
→ Can I alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen for my child?
→ What is paracetamol, and how is it different?
Frequently asked questions
Is ibuprofen the same as Nurofen or Brufen?+
Yes. Ibuprofen is the active ingredient, the medicine itself. Nurofen for Children and Brufen Children's Suspension are brand names for products that contain ibuprofen. The label will show "ibuprofen" as the active ingredient regardless of the brand on the box.
How is ibuprofen different from paracetamol?+
Both reduce fever and pain, but ibuprofen also reduces inflammation, while paracetamol does not. Ibuprofen works throughout the body rather than mainly in the brain, which is part of why it can irritate the stomach lining, while paracetamol generally does not.
Can I give ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time?+
They are usually rotated rather than given together. Paracetamol can be given every 4 to 6 hours and ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours, so if a fever returns before the next ibuprofen dose is due, paracetamol can fill the gap. See our guide on alternating the two for the timing.
Why does ibuprofen need to be given with food?+
Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs, which can irritate the stomach lining. Giving it with food or milk reduces the chance of stomach upset. Paracetamol does not have this requirement.
Is ibuprofen safe to give if my child might have dengue?+
No. If dengue is suspected, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs should be avoided because they can increase the risk of bleeding. Paracetamol is the medicine to use for fever and discomfort while this is checked.
How should I store ibuprofen at home?+
Keep it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, in its original bottle with the dosing syringe. Singapore's heat and humidity can affect some liquid medicines, so avoid leaving bottles in a car or near a window. Store it out of children's reach and sight, and check the expiry date before each use.