What is the brand name for Ibuprofen?
The brand name for Ibuprofen is Advil.
PTCB TOP 200 · #32
Ibuprofen
Advil
Ibuprofen is the generic name for the brand-name drug Advil. It is a nsaid used to treat pain, fever, inflammation. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Ibuprofen ranks #32 and is one of the most frequently tested pain/inflammation medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Ibuprofen |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Advil |
| Drug class | NSAID |
| Class group | Pain/Inflammation |
| Common use | pain, fever, inflammation |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Both prescription and OTC |
What is Ibuprofen used for?
NSAID used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation (brand/indications depend on OTC vs prescription product).
What drug class is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a NSAID in the Pain/Inflammation group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Ibuprofen
- arrow_rightHeartburn/dyspepsia
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightStomach pain
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightFluid retention
Major interactions
- arrow_rightAnticoagulants/antiplatelets and SSRIs/SNRIs ↑ GI bleeding risk
- arrow_rightACE inhibitors/ARBs/diuretics: ↑ kidney injury risk ('triple whammy')
- arrow_rightLithium and methotrexate levels may increase
- arrow_rightOther NSAIDs or steroids ↑ GI toxicity
Is Ibuprofen a controlled substance?
No. Ibuprofen is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
BOXED WARNING: NSAIDs increase risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events (MI/stroke) and serious gastrointestinal bleeding/ulceration/perforation; contraindicated in CABG surgery setting.
How to remember Ibuprofen (PTCE mnemonic)
ADvil ADDresses pain — IBU-PROfen ('I BRUise? PRObably bleeding'). NSAID: GI bleed, CV (boxed), renal; max 3200mg/day Rx.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Ibuprofen is an OTC NSAID — know the lower OTC max dose vs the higher prescription dose, a common math/safety crossover.
Ibuprofen FAQ
What is Ibuprofen used for?
Ibuprofen is used to treat pain, fever, inflammation. NSAID used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation (brand/indications depend on OTC vs prescription product).
What drug class is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a NSAID (Pain/Inflammation group).
Is Ibuprofen a controlled substance?
No. Ibuprofen is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Ibuprofen
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
What changed on the 2026 PTCB examthe new domain weights for 2026
How hard is the PTCE?what the pass rate really meansSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Ibuprofen the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Related drugs in the Pain/Inflammation group
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).