Ibuprofen 200mg - 16 Tablets (brand may vary)

What Are Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets Used For?

If you've ever reached for something to ease a headache, sore muscles, or period pain, chances are you've already used ibuprofen. Ibuprofen 200mg tablets are one of the most widely used over-the-counter pain relievers in the UK, trusted by millions of people for fast, effective relief from mild to moderate pain and fever. Available without a prescription, this 16-tablet pack is a practical, affordable option to keep in your medicine cabinet at home. You can browse the full range of options in our pain relief collection if you need to compare alternatives.

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. It works on the source of pain rather than simply masking it, which is why it's particularly useful for conditions involving inflammation — think dental pain, sprains, or back ache. The NHS recognises ibuprofen as a first-line treatment for many common painful conditions in adults and children over 12.

How Does Ibuprofen Work to Relieve Pain?

Ibuprofen's mechanism of action is well understood. It targets specific enzymes in the body to interrupt the pain and inflammation cycle. Here's how it works step by step:

• Ibuprofen inhibits cyclo-oxygenase enzymes — COX-1 and COX-2 — found throughout the body.
• These enzymes normally produce prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers that trigger pain, swelling, and fever.
• By blocking COX enzymes, ibuprofen reduces prostaglandin production at the site of injury or inflammation.
• This leads to a reduction in pain signals sent to the brain, a lowering of body temperature in fever, and decreased swelling in inflamed tissue.

The effect typically begins within 20–30 minutes of taking a dose orally, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1–2 hours. It's worth noting that ibuprofen treats the cause of pain at a biochemical level — not just the perception of it.

Who Is Ibuprofen 200mg Suitable For?

Ibuprofen 200mg tablets are suitable for a wide range of people dealing with everyday pain and inflammation. They're appropriate for adults and young people aged 12 and over. That said, they're not right for everyone — always read the label carefully before use.

This product is well suited to people experiencing:

• Headaches and migraines
• Period pain (dysmenorrhoea)
• Dental pain and toothache
• Muscular aches, sprains, and strains
• Mild to moderate fever
• Back pain and joint pain

It is not suitable for children under 12, people with active peptic ulcers, those with severe kidney or liver impairment, or anyone with a known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs or aspirin. Pregnant women — particularly in the third trimester — should avoid ibuprofen unless directed by a doctor.

How Does Ibuprofen Compare to Paracetamol for Pain Relief?

How Should You Store Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets?

Proper storage keeps your tablets safe and effective. Store ibuprofen 200mg tablets below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep them in their original packaging so you can always check the expiry date. Bathrooms and kitchen windowsills are not ideal storage spots — temperature and humidity fluctuations can degrade the tablets over time.

Always keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children. If you're unsure whether your tablets are still within date or have been stored correctly, speak to your pharmacist before use. If you're managing multiple health conditions and need to keep track of various medicines, our first aid collection includes useful storage and care products.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Ibuprofen and What Conditions Does It Treat?

Ibuprofen 200mg tablets are an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce fever, and ease inflammation. They are licensed for use in adults and young people aged 12 and over. Common conditions treated include headaches, dental pain, period pain, back pain, muscular aches, and the symptoms of colds and flu. The NHS lists ibuprofen as one of the most commonly used OTC pain medicines in the UK.

What Do You Need to Know Before Taking Ibuprofen Tablets?

Before taking ibuprofen, it's important to check whether it's appropriate for you. Do not take ibuprofen if any of the following apply:

• You are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID
• You have or have had a peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
• You have severe heart failure, severe kidney disease, or severe liver disease
• You are in the third trimester of pregnancy (28 weeks or beyond)
• You are under 12 years of age
• You have been told to avoid NSAIDs by a doctor

Ibuprofen can interact with a number of other medicines. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Aspirin or other NSAIDs — increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects
• Warfarin or other anticoagulants — ibuprofen may increase bleeding risk
• SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline) — combined use raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
• ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers — ibuprofen may reduce their effectiveness and affect kidney function
• Diuretics (water tablets) — ibuprofen may reduce their effect and increase the risk of kidney problems
• Lithium or methotrexate — ibuprofen can raise plasma levels of these medicines
• Corticosteroids — increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration

If you are managing a long-term condition and taking regular medicines, it's always worth speaking to your pharmacist before starting ibuprofen. You might also find it helpful to explore our vitamins and supplements collection for supportive health products that don't interact with NSAIDs.

How Should You Take Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets Correctly?

Always take ibuprofen exactly as directed on the label or as advised by your pharmacist. Taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary is the safest approach. Follow these steps:

1. Take ibuprofen with or after food or milk to protect your stomach lining.
2. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water — do not crush or chew.
3. Start with 1 tablet (200mg) and increase to 2 tablets (400mg) only if needed.
4. Wait at least 4–6 hours before taking the next dose.
5. Do not exceed 3 doses (600–1200mg) in any 24-hour period without medical advice.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Ibuprofen Tablets?

Like all medicines, ibuprofen can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Knowing what to look out for helps you use this medicine safely.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Headache (when used for other conditions)

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Skin rash or itching
• Fluid retention (swollen ankles or feet)
• Raised blood pressure
• Gastric ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding (especially with prolonged use)
• Worsening of asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals

Stop taking ibuprofen and seek immediate medical attention if you notice black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or hives. These may indicate a serious reaction requiring urgent care. If you experience digestive discomfort, our indigestion collection has products that may help manage mild symptoms.

How Should You Store Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets Safely?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight
• Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture
• Do not store in a bathroom or near a kitchen sink
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused tablets to your pharmacy