HomeArrow IconOur BlogArrow IconBrufen: Uses, Types, and Warnings for Adults and Children

Brufen: Uses, Types, and Warnings for Adults and Children

June 11, 2026

Share

Facebook IconTwitter IconLinkedin IconInstagram IconEmail Icon

Last updated: 11/6/2026.

Brufen is one of the most commonly used medicines for relieving pain and reducing fever. Many people search for it when they have toothache, period pain, muscle pain, or fever.

Brufen contains ibuprofen. This substance belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, so Brufen works as a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory.

However, the common use of Brufen does not mean it is suitable for everyone. Some people need to avoid it or use it only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

What is Brufen?

Brufen is a brand name for a medicine that contains ibuprofen. It is also known as Brufen in some markets.

NHS UK on ibuprofen for adults explains that ibuprofen is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, and it may also help reduce fever.

Brufen may be available in more than one form, depending on the country and manufacturer, such as:

  • Brufen tablets.
  • Brufen 400.
  • Brufen 600.
  • Brufen syrup.
  • Brufen for children.
  • Brufen for fever.

The package leaflet should always be read. Concentrations and methods of use may differ between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

What are the uses of Brufen?

Brufen is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever in some cases. However, it does not always treat the underlying cause of pain.

Brufen may be used in cases such as:

  • Toothache.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Joint pain.
  • Period pain.
  • Fever.
  • Some inflammations associated with pain.
  • Teething pain in children, depending on age, weight, and medical guidance.

MedlinePlus on Ibuprofen states that ibuprofen may be used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including headache, muscle aches, menstrual pain, colds, toothache, and back pain.

If the pain is severe or recurrent, relying on a painkiller is not enough. The cause must be identified and treated.

Is Brufen a fever reducer?

Yes, Brufen may work as a fever reducer because it contains ibuprofen. That is why some people use it for fever in adults or children.

However, fever is not a disease by itself. It is a sign that the body is dealing with an infection, inflammation, or another cause.

See a doctor if fever appears with any of the following signs:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe lethargy.
  • Seizures.
  • Clear signs of dehydration.
  • Severe skin rash.
  • Neck stiffness.
  • Chest pain.
  • Persistent or recurrent fever.
  • General deterioration in the condition.

In children, extra caution is needed. Do not use Brufen for children without knowing the appropriate dose for age and weight.

What is the difference between Brufen 400 and Brufen 600?

The difference between Brufen 400 and Brufen 600 is the amount of ibuprofen in each dose.

Brufen 400 contains a lower concentration than Brufen 600. It may be used for some mild or moderate pain in adults, according to the leaflet or medical guidance.

Brufen 600 is a higher concentration. Therefore, it should not be used randomly or for long periods without medical advice.

A higher concentration is not always better. It may increase the possibility of stomach irritation or side effects in some people.

Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health provides reliable health and regulatory information that helps patients refer to official sources when needed, especially before using painkillers repeatedly or when chronic diseases are present.

Are Brufen tablets suitable for toothache?

Brufen tablets may help temporarily relieve toothache because they work as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. However, they do not treat the cause.

Toothache may occur due to decay, nerve inflammation, dental abscess, gum inflammation, or wisdom tooth problems.

See a dentist if toothache appears with:

  • Swelling in the face or gums.
  • Pus.
  • Fever.
  • Severe pain that does not improve.
  • Difficulty opening the mouth.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Strong bad breath with pain.
  • Pain that wakes the patient from sleep.

Using Brufen for toothache may relieve pain for a few hours. However, it does not replace treating the cause in the clinic.

If the pain is related to the teeth or gums, you can review Magrabi Health dental services to choose the appropriate specialty before booking.

Is Brufen suitable for children?

Brufen for children may be used to relieve pain or reduce fever. However, the dose depends on the child’s weight, age, and the medicine concentration.

NHS UK on ibuprofen for children explains that ibuprofen for children is used for pain and inflammation, and this may include cold symptoms, teething, toothache, and high temperature.

Children should not be given Brufen tablets intended for adults. The dose should also not be estimated using a household spoon.

When using Brufen syrup, the measuring device provided with the medicine should be used. An inaccurate dose may be harmful.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before giving Brufen to children in the following cases:

  • The child is very young.
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration is present.
  • Asthma is present.
  • Kidney, heart, or liver disease is present.
  • Chickenpox is suspected.
  • Fever continues for more than 3 days.
  • Severe lethargy or difficulty breathing appears.

Brufen for children is not suitable for every child, even if it is available without a prescription in some cases.

When should Brufen be avoided?

Brufen may not be suitable for some people. Therefore, it should be avoided or a doctor should be consulted first in the following cases:

  • Allergy to ibuprofen.
  • Allergy to aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines.
  • Current or previous stomach ulcer.
  • Bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Liver disease.
  • Heart disease.
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
  • Asthma affected by painkillers.
  • Use of blood-thinning medicines.
  • Pregnancy or trying to become pregnant.
  • Use of another painkiller from the same family.

Mayo Clinic on Ibuprofen explains that conditions such as stomach ulcers, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, asthma, or bleeding problems may affect the safety of using ibuprofen.

Do not combine Brufen with other anti-inflammatory medicines, such as some diclofenac or naproxen medicines, unless the doctor recommends it.

What are the possible side effects of Brufen?

Brufen may cause side effects in some people. The likelihood increases with high doses or repeated use.

Possible side effects include:

  • Stomach pain or burning.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Bloating.
  • Diarrhea or constipation.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headache.
  • Skin rash.

There are also symptoms that require urgent medical help, such as:

  • Vomiting blood.
  • Black stools.
  • Severe stomach pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Swelling of the face or lips.
  • Chest pain.
  • Sudden weakness in the body.
  • Reduced urination.
  • Swelling of the feet.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
  • Severe rash or skin peeling.

MedlinePlus states that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may increase the risk of heart problems or gastrointestinal bleeding in some people, especially with long-term use or high doses.

The Egyptian Drug Authority also emphasizes the importance of paying attention to side effects, reporting them when they occur, and not repeating painkillers without medical advice if symptoms persist.

How can Brufen be used safely?

For safe use, follow the package leaflet or the doctor’s prescription. Do not use Brufen just because it is available at home.

Important tips before using it:

  • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
  • Take it with or after food to reduce stomach irritation.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dose.
  • Do not combine more than one product containing ibuprofen.
  • Do not use it daily for a long period without a doctor.
  • Tell the doctor about any other medicines you are using.
  • Ask the pharmacist if you are unsure about the appropriate concentration.
  • Stop the medicine and seek help if serious symptoms appear.

In Saudi Arabia, registered medicines can be checked through the human medicines list of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, especially when the brand name or concentration differs from one medicine to another.

Is Brufen safe during pregnancy?

Brufen is not recommended during pregnancy unless a doctor advises it. Caution increases especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

The doctor may choose more suitable alternatives depending on the mother’s condition and stage of pregnancy. Therefore, Brufen should not be used during pregnancy based on previous experience or non-medical advice.

The same applies to breastfeeding, especially if the mother uses other medicines or has a chronic disease.

What is the difference between Brufen and paracetamol?

Brufen contains ibuprofen. It is a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory.

Paracetamol is a pain reliever and fever reducer, but it does not have the same anti-inflammatory effect to the same degree.

Paracetamol may be more suitable for some people who cannot use Brufen, such as those with stomach problems or allergy to anti-inflammatory medicines.

However, the choice between them depends on age, health condition, the cause of pain, and other medicines being used.

 

Conclusion

Brufen is a common medicine used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever, but it is not suitable for everyone. The difference between Brufen 400 and Brufen 600 depends on concentration, not absolute superiority. Use Brufen carefully, follow the package leaflet, and do not ignore severe or recurrent pain. We recommend consulting a doctor or pharmacist if there is a chronic disease, pregnancy, other medicines, or unusual symptoms.

References

 

Medical Review:
Reviewed by Magrabi’s editorial team with the support of specialized doctors.

Disclaimer:
This article is for health education purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a specialist doctor.

Magrabi Health Editorial Team

Magrabi Health Editorial Team

The Magrabi Health Editorial Team creates educational medical content designed to help readers better understand symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and preventive healthcare measures across a wide range of medical topics, drawing on trusted sources and specialized clinical expertise. Since 1955, Magrabi Health has built more than 70 years of experience in specialized healthcare through a regional network of over 40 facilities across 5 countries. Its commitment to quality and patient safety is reflected in numerous accreditations and recognitions, including the designation of several eye centers as Centers of Excellence in Ophthalmology by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

FAQ

What is Brufen?

Brufen is a medicine that contains ibuprofen. It is used as a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory. It may be used for toothache, period pain, muscle pain, and fever, but the package leaflet should be followed or a doctor consulted.

What is the difference between Brufen 400 and 600?

The difference is that Brufen 600 contains a higher concentration of ibuprofen compared with Brufen 400. The higher concentration is not suitable for everyone and may increase the likelihood of side effects, so it should be used according to the leaflet or a doctor’s prescription.

Is Brufen a fever reducer?

Yes, Brufen may help reduce fever because it contains ibuprofen. However, the cause of the fever should be identified, especially if it is persistent or accompanied by lethargy, difficulty breathing, dehydration, rash, or general deterioration.

Is Brufen suitable for children?

Brufen may be suitable for children in some cases, but the dose depends on the child’s weight, age, and the medicine concentration. Do not give children adult tablets, and do not use Brufen syrup without accurate measurement or consultation when in doubt.

When should Brufen be avoided?

It should be avoided or used only after medical advice in cases of allergy to ibuprofen, stomach ulcer or bleeding, kidney, liver, or heart disease, asthma affected by painkillers, use of blood thinners, or pregnancy, especially in its later stages.