On this page
Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Prescription
- Over the counter
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet, Capsule, Suspension, Gel
- Price Range
- ₦100 - ₦3,000
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is one of the most popular pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications used across Nigeria. It belongs to a class of drugs called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which means it not only reduces pain and fever like paracetamol but also tackles inflammation — the swelling, redness, and soreness that comes with injuries, arthritis, and other conditions. You will find ibuprofen under brand names such as Brufen, Nurofen, and Emzor Ibuprofen at pharmacies and patent medicine stores across the country.
Ibuprofen works by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), which are responsible for producing prostaglandins — chemicals in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin production, ibuprofen effectively relieves pain, brings down swelling, and lowers body temperature. This makes it particularly useful for conditions where inflammation is a key factor, such as menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea), arthritis, sports injuries, and dental pain — all very common complaints seen in Nigerian clinics and pharmacies daily.
Ibuprofen is available over the counter in Nigeria without a prescription, making it easily accessible. However, because it is an NSAID, it carries important risks that users must understand, particularly regarding the stomach and kidneys. Nigerians should be aware that taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach or using it for extended periods can lead to stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite these risks, when used correctly and for short periods, ibuprofen is a highly effective and affordable medication for managing pain and inflammation.
What is Ibuprofen used for?
In Nigeria, Ibuprofen is commonly used for:
- Relief of mild to moderate pain with inflammation, including body aches, sprains, and strains
- Headaches and migraines
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea) — ibuprofen is one of the most effective treatments for period pain
- Arthritis pain and joint inflammation, including both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Dental pain and pain after dental procedures
- Fever reduction, including malaria-associated fever when paracetamol alone is not sufficient
- Back pain and muscle soreness from physical labour or exercise
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
200mg to 400mg taken every 6 to 8 hours as needed with food or after meals. Maximum daily dose is 1200mg (three doses of 400mg) for over-the-counter use. Under medical supervision, up to 2400mg per day may be prescribed for severe conditions. Always take with food to protect the stomach.
Children
For children aged 7-12 years: 200mg every 6-8 hours (maximum 600mg daily). For children aged 1-6 years: use ibuprofen suspension (100mg/5ml) — dose based on weight, typically 5-10mg per kg of body weight every 6-8 hours. Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months of age. Always consult a pharmacist for accurate dosing.
Elderly
Elderly patients should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Start with 200mg every 8 hours. Elderly individuals are at higher risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems from NSAIDs. A doctor should be consulted before regular use.
Always take ibuprofen with food or immediately after eating to minimise stomach irritation. Do not take on an empty stomach. Do not use ibuprofen for more than 3 days for fever or 7 days for pain without seeing a doctor. Ibuprofen can be safely alternated with paracetamol for better pain control — for example, take paracetamol, then take ibuprofen 3 hours later, and continue alternating.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Stomach pain, indigestion, and heartburn — the most common side effects, especially when taken without food
- •Nausea and occasionally vomiting
- •Dizziness and headache
- •Bloating and gas
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding — may present as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood
- Kidney damage, especially with long-term use or in dehydrated patients
- Severe allergic reactions including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, and skin rashes
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke with long-term, high-dose use
- Worsening of asthma symptoms in people with aspirin-sensitive asthma
- Liver damage — rare but possible with prolonged use
When to see a doctor
Stop taking ibuprofen and see a doctor immediately if you experience black or bloody stools, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness on one side of the body, swelling of the face or throat, or a severe skin rash. If you notice reduced urination or swelling of the legs and ankles, this could indicate kidney problems and requires urgent medical attention.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Ibuprofen if you have:
- Do not take if you have an active stomach or duodenal ulcer, or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Do not take if you have severe kidney disease or severe liver disease
- Do not take if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
- Do not take if you have severe heart failure
- Avoid if you have asthma that is triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs
- Do not use in the third trimester (last 3 months) of pregnancy
Drug interactions
- •Aspirin — taking ibuprofen with aspirin can reduce aspirin's cardioprotective effect and increase stomach bleeding risk
- •Warfarin and other blood thinners — ibuprofen increases the risk of bleeding
- •ACE inhibitors and diuretics (commonly used for high blood pressure in Nigeria) — ibuprofen can reduce their effectiveness and worsen kidney function
- •Methotrexate — ibuprofen can increase methotrexate toxicity
- •Lithium — ibuprofen can increase lithium levels in the blood
- •Other NSAIDs — never take two different NSAIDs together (e.g., do not combine ibuprofen with diclofenac)
- •Corticosteroids — combining with ibuprofen increases stomach ulcer risk
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Ibuprofen should be avoided in the third trimester (last 3 months) of pregnancy as it can cause premature closure of a blood vessel in the baby's heart (ductus arteriosus) and reduce amniotic fluid. In the first and second trimesters, it should only be used if clearly needed and on medical advice. For pregnant women needing pain relief, paracetamol is the safer choice. Small amounts of ibuprofen pass into breast milk, but short-term use at low doses is generally considered safe during breastfeeding. Consult your pharmacist or doctor for guidance.
NAFDAC-Registered Brands of Ibuprofen in Nigeria
4 brands registered with NAFDAC as of 2026-02-01.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brufen | Abbott | 200mg, 400mg | Tablet | A4-0567 |
| Ibuprofen | Emzor | 400mg | Tablet | A4-3456 |
| Nurofen | Reckitt | 200mg, 400mg | Tablet | A4-1567 |
| Ibucap | Fidson | 400mg | Capsule | A4-4567 |
How to Verify Your Ibuprofen is Genuine
- 1Check for a valid NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all genuine ibuprofen products sold in Nigeria must carry this number
- 2Use the NAFDAC mobile verification app or visit the NAFDAC website to confirm the registration number
- 3Purchase only from licensed pharmacies and reputable patent medicine stores — avoid street vendors and unregistered shops
- 4Inspect the packaging for signs of tampering, faded printing, or spelling errors which may indicate counterfeit products
- 5Check the expiry date and batch number — genuine products will have clearly printed, consistent information
- 6For major brands like Brufen and Nurofen, look for manufacturer security features such as holographic seals or unique packaging designs
Ibuprofen Price in Nigeria
Ibuprofen prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦100 to ₦3,000 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦100 – ₦3,000
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Ibuprofen only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines