Drug Class: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) | Form: Oral Tablet | Status: Over-the-Counter (OTC) — DRAP Registered
What is Brufen 400mg Tablet?
Brufen 400mg Tablet contains Ibuprofen at double the standard strength — providing stronger, longer-lasting relief from mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever compared to the 200mg formulation. It belongs to the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) family — medicines that tackle pain, swelling, and fever without containing steroids.
Brufen 400mg is suitable for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age who need a more effective dose for conditions involving noticeable inflammation or moderate pain (درمیانے درجے کا درد اور سوجن) — such as arthritis flare-ups, soft tissue injuries, dental procedures, or severe menstrual cramps. While available over the counter, the higher 400mg dose means it carries a greater responsibility for careful use — it should always be taken at the lowest effective dose, with food, and for the shortest time necessary to control symptoms.
What is Brufen 400mg Tablet Used For?
Brufen 400mg Tablet is used for the relief and management of the following conditions:
- Headaches — relief from tension headaches and general head pain (سر درد)
- Dental pain — toothache and pain following dental procedures or extractions (دانت کا درد)
- Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea) — relief from period pain and lower abdominal cramping (ماہواری کا درد)
- Arthritis — managing pain, stiffness, and swelling in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (جوڑوں کا درد اور سوجن)
- Muscle aches and strains — pain and stiffness from overuse, physical exertion, or minor injury (پٹھوں کا درد)
- Soft tissue injuries — sprains, strains, and bruising with localised pain and swelling
- Back pain — mild to moderate lower or upper back pain (کمر درد)
- Fever reduction — bringing down elevated body temperature in adults and adolescents (بخار)
- Post-operative or post-procedural pain — short-term pain relief after minor surgical or dental procedures, as directed by a doctor
- Sports injuries — pain and swelling from minor sports-related injuries to muscles and joints
How Does Brufen 400mg Tablet Work?
Ibuprofen works by blocking enzymes in the body called COX-1 and COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase enzymes). These enzymes produce chemicals called prostaglandins — substances released during injury, illness, or inflammation that signal the brain to feel pain, cause tissues to swell, and raise body temperature.
By reducing prostaglandin production, Brufen 400mg delivers three simultaneous effects:
- Pain relief — reduced prostaglandins mean fewer and weaker pain signals reaching the brain
- Anti-inflammatory action — swelling, redness, heat, and tenderness in affected tissues are reduced
- Fever reduction — prostaglandins are responsible for raising body temperature during infection or illness; blocking them brings fever down to normal levels
At 400mg, Ibuprofen achieves higher tissue concentrations than the 200mg dose — providing more effective relief for moderate pain and more pronounced inflammation. Effects are typically felt within 20 to 30 minutes, with peak effect reached within 1 to 2 hours of taking the tablet.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary. Do not exceed the stated maximum daily dose. If pain persists beyond 5 days or fever beyond 3 days, consult a doctor.
| Patient Group | Dose | Frequency | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18 years and above) | 400mg (1 tablet) | Every 6 to 8 hours | 1200mg (3 tablets) OTC / Up to 2400mg under medical supervision |
| Adolescents (12 – 17 years) | 400mg (1 tablet) | Every 6 to 8 hours | 1200mg (3 tablets) |
| Children under 12 years | Not recommended — use age-appropriate ibuprofen syrup or formulation | — | — |
- Always take with food, milk, or a full glass of water — this is essential at the 400mg dose to protect the stomach lining
- Swallow the tablet whole — do not crush or chew unless directed by your doctor
- Space doses evenly — maintain at least 6 hours between doses
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
- For arthritis or chronic joint conditions, your doctor may prescribe a higher daily dose under supervision — always follow their specific instructions
- For menstrual cramps, taking the first dose at the earliest sign of pain gives the best and fastest relief
Active Ingredient
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | 400mg |
Who Should NOT Use Brufen 400mg Tablet?
Do not take this tablet if you:
- Are allergic to Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or any other NSAID
- Have ever experienced asthma, hives, skin rash, or severe allergic reaction after taking Aspirin or any NSAID
- Have or have previously had a stomach ulcer, stomach bleeding, or bowel perforation
- Have severe heart failure, severe kidney failure, or severe liver failure
- Are in the last 3 months (third trimester) of pregnancy
- Are a child under 12 years of age
- Are currently taking blood-thinning medicines such as Warfarin without medical supervision
Consult your doctor before taking Brufen 400mg if you have any of the following:
- History of stomach ulcers, digestive bleeding, or bowel problems
- High blood pressure (ہائی بلڈ پریشر) or heart disease
- History of heart attack or stroke
- Kidney or liver disease
- Asthma, nasal polyps, or chronic breathing difficulties
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Diabetes — NSAIDs can affect kidney function in diabetic patients
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) — increased risk of kidney complications
- Are aged 65 or over — significantly higher risk of side effects at this dose
- Are pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding
Side Effects
Brufen 400mg Tablet is generally well tolerated when taken correctly and for short periods. However, at this higher dose, the risk of side effects — particularly gastrointestinal — is greater than with the 200mg formulation.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, stomach pain, or indigestion — significantly reduced by always taking with food
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Headache or mild dizziness
- Diarrhoea (دست) or constipation
- Mild skin rash or itching
- Feeling of fullness or bloating
Serious Side Effects — Stop Taking Immediately and Seek Emergency Medical Help:
- Stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding — dark or black tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain — this is the most common serious risk of NSAID use, especially at higher doses
- Severe allergic reaction — sudden widespread rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Worsening of asthma — wheezing, chest tightness, or sudden breathing difficulty after taking the tablet
- Kidney problems — significantly reduced urination, swelling in the ankles or legs, unexplained weight gain
- Cardiovascular events — chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body — long-term or high-dose NSAID use increases the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Liver damage — yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان / jaundice), very dark urine, severe unexplained fatigue
- Severe skin reactions — blistering, raw skin, or widespread peeling — rare but serious and requires immediate medical attention
If any serious symptom occurs, stop Brufen 400mg immediately and go to the nearest hospital emergency department without delay.
Drug and Food Interactions
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you are currently taking before using Brufen 400mg Tablet.
| Medicine / Substance | Possible Interaction |
|---|---|
| Aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., Diclofenac, Naproxen, Mefenamic acid) | Significantly increased risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers — never combine NSAIDs |
| Low-dose Aspirin (for heart protection) | Ibuprofen may reduce Aspirin's protective effect on the heart — consult your doctor about timing of doses |
| Blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin, Clopidogrel) | Major increase in bleeding risk — avoid unless under close medical supervision with regular monitoring |
| Blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Beta-blockers) | Ibuprofen reduces their effectiveness and can worsen blood pressure control |
| Diuretics / water tablets (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide) | Reduced diuretic effect; increased risk of kidney damage especially at 400mg dose |
| Methotrexate (for arthritis or cancer) | Ibuprofen significantly increases Methotrexate toxicity — potentially life-threatening combination |
| SSRIs / antidepressants (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram) | Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with NSAIDs |
| Lithium (mood stabiliser) | Ibuprofen raises Lithium blood levels — risk of Lithium toxicity |
| Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisolone, Dexamethasone) | Combined use greatly increases risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding |
| Cyclosporine (immunosuppressant) | Increased risk of kidney damage |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases stomach irritation and bleeding risk considerably — avoid alcohol during Ibuprofen use |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture
- Keep in the original blister pack until the time of use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not store in the bathroom or near a kitchen — humidity and heat can damage tablets
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the blister pack or outer carton
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Brufen 200mg and Brufen 400mg?
Both contain Ibuprofen and work in exactly the same way — the difference is strength and intended use. Brufen 200mg is suitable for mild pain and is the standard starting dose. Brufen 400mg delivers double the dose, making it more appropriate for moderate pain, noticeable inflammation, or conditions such as arthritis, sports injuries, and severe menstrual cramps where a stronger effect is needed. However, the higher dose also carries a greater risk of stomach and cardiovascular side effects — so 200mg should always be tried first if adequate for your symptoms.
Can I take Brufen 400mg for arthritis every day?
Brufen 400mg can be used for arthritis under a doctor's supervision, but it is not recommended for continuous self-medication without medical guidance. Long-term daily use of NSAIDs significantly increases the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney problems, and cardiovascular complications. Your doctor may prescribe a stomach-protecting medicine alongside it, monitor your kidney function, and advise on the safest long-term pain management plan for your specific condition.
Is Brufen 400mg safe to take with Paracetamol?
Yes — Ibuprofen and Paracetamol can safely be taken together because they work through completely different pathways in the body. In fact, this combination is often more effective for moderate pain than either medicine alone. They do not increase each other's side effects. However, do not exceed the recommended dose of either medicine, and always read labels carefully to avoid accidentally doubling up on either ingredient from other combination products.
Can I take Brufen 400mg for a sports injury or sprain?
Yes — Ibuprofen is particularly well-suited for soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains because it tackles both the pain and the underlying inflammation simultaneously. For best results, combine it with the RICE method — Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. However, limit use to 5 days. If pain, swelling, or mobility does not improve within this time, consult a doctor to rule out a more serious injury such as a fracture or ligament tear.
Why must Brufen 400mg always be taken with food?
Ibuprofen works by blocking COX enzymes — but COX-1 also plays a protective role in maintaining the stomach's natural lining. Blocking it removes some of this protection, making the stomach more vulnerable to irritation, ulcers, and bleeding. Taking the tablet with food or milk creates a buffer that significantly reduces this risk. This precaution is especially important at the 400mg dose, where the effect on the stomach lining is stronger than at 200mg.
Can elderly patients use Brufen 400mg safely?
Elderly patients should use Brufen 400mg with significant caution. Older people are at considerably higher risk of stomach bleeding, kidney damage, and heart complications from NSAIDs — particularly at the 400mg dose. If Ibuprofen is needed, the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time is essential. A stomach-protecting medicine such as Omeprazole is often recommended alongside it. Many doctors prefer to recommend Paracetamol as the first-choice pain reliever for elderly patients and reserve NSAIDs only when clearly necessary.
⚕️ 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 right for you. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice promptly.
DRAP Registered | Over-the-Counter (OTC) | Always take with food — consult your pharmacist or doctor if unsure