Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is commonly used for relieving muscular and skeletal pain.

Ibuprofen is a white powder belonging to the propionic acid derivatives, with a melting point of 74 - 77° C. It is only slightly soluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol. It is a chiral compound; racemic Ibuprofen is usually used, although only one form is active medicinally.

Ibuprofen acts so as to inhibit the action of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which catalyses the transformation of fatty acids to prostaglandins. Thus the synthesis of prostaglandin is inhibited and this is the cause for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory action of the drug. Because it is nonsteroidal, it is widely used as it does not upset the hormonal balance in the body.Its anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relieving) and antipyretic (fever reducing) actions, are comparable to those of aspirin and it is commonly taken in tablet form for the relief of mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache, and migraine as well as symptoms of fever. Ibuprofen is available for over-the-counter sale.I

buprofen Tablets are very useful for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, to reduce joint swelling and improves the action of joints. It is also commonly used to relieve postoperative pain and morning stiffness and has also been shown to slow down pulmonary decline in cystic fibrosis sufferers

Formal Chemical Name (IUPAC)
2-(p-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid