The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.

Patient & Family Education Materials

Start over with a New Search

What Is Ibuprofen?

Article Translations: (Spanish)

Ibuprofen

Say: eye-byoo-PRO-fen

If you've ever had the flu, you might remember that awful achy feeling. Ibuprofen can come to the rescue when you feel that way. It's a kind of pain reliever that helps ease aches and pains. After you take ibuprofen, it keeps the nerves in your body from sending messages that say "Ow! I ache!" to your brain, so you won't hurt as much. But remember not to take any kind of medicine without your parent's help.

Back To Top

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com