Ibuprofen: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used to relieve the pain of arthritis and as an analgesic and antipyretic. It is sold under the trade names of Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Brufen and Act-3.

Ibuprofen is used mainly for the relief of headaches. It is also used to combat muscle aches, menstrual pain, aches from various illnesses (including the common cold and influenza), and post-surgical pains. It can also help with the pain and inflammation from shingles.

The chemical name of ibuprofen is 2-(4-Isobutyl-phenyl)-propionic acid and its chemical formula is C₁₃H₁₈O₂.

Ibuprofen exists in two enantiomers. Only the S-ibuprofen is used as a pain reliever.

Ibuprofen was developed by the research arm of Boots the Chemists.

After ibuprofen was made available under prescription in the UK, 1969, it was shown that both aspirin and ibuprofen inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, a substance linked to inflammation.