Ibuprofen generally starts to work within 20 to 30 minutes after oral administration, with most people beginning to feel relief from pain or fever in that timeframe
. The maximum effect is usually reached within 1 to 2 hours as ibuprofen levels peak in the bloodstream
. The anti-inflammatory effects may take longer to become noticeable, sometimes requiring several days to a week or more of regular use, especially for chronic conditions like arthritis
. Pain relief from a single dose typically lasts about 4 to 6 hours
. Factors that can influence how quickly ibuprofen works include the dosage taken, whether it is taken with food (which can delay absorption), individual characteristics such as age and weight, and the specific condition being treated
. In summary:
- Onset of pain relief: 20–30 minutes after oral dose
- Peak blood levels: 1–2 hours
- Duration of pain relief: 4–6 hours
- Anti-inflammatory effects: May take days to weeks with regular use
- Influencing factors: Dosage, food intake, age, weight, health status
Intravenous ibuprofen also provides rapid pain relief within a similar timeframe but is typically used in clinical settings
