What is the brand name for Ibuprofen?
The brand name for Ibuprofen is Advil.
PTCE 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).
Related drugs in the Pain/Inflammation group
Drill Ibuprofen the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 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).