Drug Class: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) | Form: Oral Tablet | Status: Over-the-Counter (OTC) — DRAP Registered
What is Brufen 200mg Tablet?
Brufen 200mg Tablet contains Ibuprofen, one of the most widely used and well-established pain-relieving medicines in the world. It belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) — medicines that relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and bring down fever, all without containing steroids.
Brufen 200mg is suitable for adults and children over 12 years of age for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain (ہلکے سے درمیانے درجے کا درد) in everyday situations — such as headaches, period pain, toothache, backache, and muscle pain. It is also used to manage pain and stiffness associated with joint conditions like arthritis. Being available over the counter makes it a convenient first-choice option for common pain and fever — however, it should always be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary.
What is Brufen 200mg Tablet Used For?
Brufen 200mg Tablet provides relief for the following common conditions:
- Headaches and migraines — relief from tension headaches and migraine pain (سر درد)
- Dental pain — toothache and pain following dental procedures (دانت کا درد)
- Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea) — relief from period pain and associated lower abdominal discomfort (ماہواری کا درد)
- Back pain — mild to moderate lower or upper back pain (کمر درد)
- Muscle aches and strains — pain and stiffness from overuse, exercise, or minor injury (پٹھوں کا درد)
- Fever reduction — bringing down high temperature in adults and children over 12 years (بخار)
- Cold and flu symptoms — reducing fever and body aches associated with viral infections
- Osteoarthritis — managing pain and inflammation in joints affected by wear and tear (جوڑوں کا درد)
- Rheumatoid arthritis — relieving pain, swelling, and stiffness in inflamed joints
- Minor injuries — sprains, strains, and bruising causing localised pain and swelling
How Does Brufen 200mg Tablet Work?
Ibuprofen works by blocking special enzymes in the body called COX-1 and COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase enzymes). These enzymes are responsible for producing chemicals called prostaglandins — the substances the body releases in response to injury, infection, or illness that cause pain, swelling, redness, and fever.
By reducing prostaglandin production, Ibuprofen achieves three effects simultaneously:
- Pain relief — fewer prostaglandins mean pain signals to the brain are reduced
- Anti-inflammatory effect — swelling, redness, and heat in affected tissues decrease
- Fever reduction — prostaglandins are responsible for raising body temperature; blocking them brings fever down
The effects of a single 200mg dose are typically felt within 20 to 30 minutes of taking the tablet, with full effect usually reached within 1 to 2 hours.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose. If symptoms persist beyond 3 days for fever or 5 days for pain, consult a doctor.
| Patient Group | Dose | Frequency | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18 years and above) | 200mg – 400mg | Every 4 to 6 hours | 1200mg (6 tablets) |
| Adolescents (12 – 17 years) | 200mg – 400mg | Every 4 to 6 hours | 1200mg (6 tablets) |
| Children under 12 years | Not recommended — use age-appropriate ibuprofen formulation | — | — |
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
- Always take with food or milk to reduce the risk of stomach irritation and upset
- Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking the tablet
- Space doses evenly throughout the day — do not take two doses close together
- For menstrual pain, starting the dose at the first sign of cramping gives the best results
- Do not take more than the prescribed or recommended dose — higher doses increase the risk of serious side effects without providing significantly better pain relief
Active Ingredient
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | 200mg |
Who Should NOT Use Brufen 200mg Tablet?
Do not take this tablet if you:
- Are allergic to Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or any other NSAID
- Have experienced asthma, skin rash, or allergic reaction after taking Aspirin or any other NSAID in the past
- Have or have previously had a stomach ulcer, stomach bleeding, or perforation
- Have severe kidney, liver, or heart failure
- Are in the last 3 months (third trimester) of pregnancy
- Are taking blood-thinning medicines such as Warfarin without medical supervision
- Are a child under 12 years of age — use a paediatric ibuprofen formulation instead
Always consult your doctor before taking Brufen 200mg if you have any of the following:
- History of stomach or digestive problems, ulcers, or bleeding
- High blood pressure (ہائی بلڈ پریشر) or heart disease
- Kidney or liver problems
- Asthma or breathing difficulties
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Diabetes, as NSAIDs can affect kidney function
- Are aged 65 or over — higher risk of side effects
- Are pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding
Side Effects
Brufen 200mg Tablet is generally safe when used correctly at the recommended dose for a short period. However, like all NSAIDs, it can cause side effects — particularly with higher doses or prolonged use.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, stomach discomfort, or indigestion — reduced by taking with food
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Mild headache or dizziness
- Mild skin rash or itching
- Diarrhoea (دست) or constipation
Serious Side Effects — Stop Taking and Seek Medical Help Immediately:
- Stomach bleeding or ulcer — signs include dark or black stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain — NSAIDs can irritate and damage the stomach lining
- Severe allergic reaction — sudden rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing (این ایس اے آئی ڈی الرجی)
- Worsening of asthma — wheezing or difficulty breathing after taking Ibuprofen
- Signs of kidney problems — reduced urination, swelling in legs or ankles, unusual tiredness
- Signs of heart problems — chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden swelling of legs — long-term NSAID use can increase cardiovascular risk
- Liver problems — yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان / jaundice), dark urine, severe tiredness
- Severe skin reaction — blistering, peeling, or raw skin — rare but serious
If you experience any of these serious symptoms, stop taking Brufen immediately and go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Drug and Food Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking before using Brufen 200mg Tablet.
| Medicine / Substance | Possible Interaction |
|---|---|
| Aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., Diclofenac, Naproxen) | Increased risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers — avoid combined use |
| Blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin) | Significantly increased bleeding risk — avoid unless under close medical supervision |
| Blood pressure medicines (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Beta-blockers) | Ibuprofen can reduce their effectiveness and worsen blood pressure control |
| Diuretics (water tablets, e.g., Furosemide) | Reduced effectiveness; increased risk of kidney problems |
| Methotrexate | Ibuprofen can increase Methotrexate toxicity — potentially dangerous combination |
| SSRIs / antidepressants (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline) | Increased risk of stomach bleeding when combined with NSAIDs |
| Lithium | Ibuprofen can increase Lithium levels in the blood to potentially toxic levels |
| Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisolone) | Increased risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases risk of stomach bleeding and irritation — avoid alcohol during Ibuprofen use |
| Antacids | May slightly delay Ibuprofen absorption but generally safe to use for stomach protection |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Protect from direct sunlight and excessive moisture
- Keep in the original blister pack until use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not store in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink — heat and moisture can damage the tablets
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the blister pack or outer carton
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I take Brufen 200mg on an empty stomach? It is strongly recommended to take Brufen 200mg with food, milk, or a full glass of water. Taking Ibuprofen on an empty stomach significantly increases the risk of stomach irritation, indigestion, and ulcers. If you experience stomach discomfort even when taking it with food, speak to your pharmacist — a stomach-protecting medicine (such as Omeprazole) may be recommended alongside it.
How is Brufen different from Paracetamol for pain relief?
Both relieve pain and reduce fever, but they work differently. Paracetamol primarily relieves pain and fever but has minimal anti-inflammatory effect. Brufen (Ibuprofen) relieves pain, reduces fever, AND reduces inflammation — making it more suitable for conditions involving swelling, such as arthritis, sports injuries, and menstrual cramps. However, Paracetamol is gentler on the stomach and is preferred for patients with digestive sensitivity, heart disease, or kidney problems.
Can I take Brufen 200mg for period pain (ماہواری کا درد)?
Yes — Ibuprofen is one of the most effective medicines for menstrual cramps because prostaglandins are directly responsible for the uterine contractions that cause period pain. Taking Brufen at the first sign of cramping — rather than waiting until the pain is severe — gives the best results. The standard adult dose of 200mg to 400mg every 4 to 6 hours is effective for most women. If period pain is consistently severe, consult your doctor.
Is it safe to take Brufen 200mg during pregnancy?
Ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy — particularly during the last 3 months (third trimester), where it is contraindicated and can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, including effects on the baby's kidneys and heart. During the first and second trimesters, it should only be used if specifically advised by a doctor. Paracetamol is the preferred pain reliever and fever reducer during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy.
How long can I take Brufen 200mg continuously?
Brufen 200mg is intended for short-term use only. For fever, do not use for more than 3 days without consulting a doctor. For pain, do not use for more than 5 days without medical advice. Long-term or high-dose use of NSAIDs significantly increases the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and cardiovascular complications. If you need pain relief for a chronic condition such as arthritis, speak to your doctor about a safe long-term management plan.
Can elderly patients take Brufen 200mg?
Elderly patients (65 years and above) can use Ibuprofen but with extra caution. Older people are at higher risk of stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular side effects from NSAIDs. The lowest effective dose for the shortest time is especially important in this age group. Many doctors recommend taking a stomach-protecting medicine (such as a proton pump inhibitor) alongside NSAIDs in elderly patients. Always consult a doctor before starting Ibuprofen in elderly individuals.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is provided for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always read the label carefully and consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether this medicine is suitable for you. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice promptly.
DRAP Registered | Over-the-Counter (OTC) | Use as directed — consult your pharmacist or doctor if unsure