This page is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone — particularly patients with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, heart disease, or third-trimester pregnancy. Follow the instructions on the packaging and your doctor's guidance. Never exceed the recommended dose.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation. It is available over the counter in Korea under brand names including Brufen and Advil.
Ibuprofen belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins — chemical mediators of pain, fever, and inflammation. This mechanism makes ibuprofen particularly effective for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, menstrual pain, and sports injuries, where inflammation is a key component.
In Korea, ibuprofen is available in tablet, liquid, and topical gel formulations under brand names including Brufen, Advil, and Nurofen. It is commonly used for mild to moderate pain including headache, dental pain, muscular pain, and period pain, as well as fever reduction when paracetamol is insufficient or contraindicated.
Important precautions apply: ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining, potentially causing ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding — it should always be taken with food and is contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcer disease. It should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, heart disease, or hypertension. Long-term use is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Ibuprofen should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy as it may harm the foetus. Elderly patients are at higher risk of gastrointestinal and renal side effects.
Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before using ibuprofen if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Key Points
- NSAID — reduces pain, fever, and inflammation
- Available OTC in Korea: Brufen, Advil, Nurofen
- Take with food to reduce stomach irritation
- Not recommended for stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or third-trimester pregnancy
- Avoid in elderly patients or those with heart disease without medical advice
- Short-term use for acute pain; long-term use requires medical supervision
Causes & Risk Factors
- Musculoskeletal and inflammatory pain: arthritis, sports injuries, back pain
- Headache and dental pain
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea) — highly effective due to anti-inflammatory action
- Fever management when paracetamol is insufficient
- Post-surgical pain management (as directed by a doctor)
- Gout attacks (acute uric acid crystal-induced inflammation)
When to See a Doctor
- Before use if you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease
- If you take blood thinners, other NSAIDs, or corticosteroids — risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding
- If you are in the third trimester of pregnancy — ibuprofen is contraindicated
- If you experience stomach pain, dark stools, or vomiting blood after use
- If pain or fever does not improve after 3 days
- Before giving ibuprofen to children under 3 months or under 5 kg — consult a paediatrician
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
Related Specialties
Related Treatments
Find a Doctor in Korea
This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
Sources & References
Last reviewed: May 29, 2026