Can ibuprofen treat headaches?

Nov 06, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

Conditions that can be effectively relieved are mostly primary headaches, which have no definite organic lesions, such as tension-type headache (characterized by a band-like pain around the head) and migraine (accompanied by unilateral throbbing pain). As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and reduces pain perception. It usually takes effect within 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration, helping patients resume normal activities.

Common tablet and capsule forms of ibuprofen can typically relieve certain types of headaches. It is effective for mild to moderate primary headaches, such as tension-type headaches and migraines, but provides only temporary symptom relief for severe headaches or secondary headaches caused by underlying diseases, without addressing the root cause. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Ibuprofen is generally effective for primary headaches, which lack identifiable structural abnormalities—such as tension-type headaches (characterized by a band-like tightness around the head) and migraines (often involving throbbing pain on one side). As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, thereby reducing pain perception. It usually takes effect within 30 minutes to an hour after administration, helping restore normal daily activities, making it suitable for temporary symptom relief.

It is not suitable for curative treatment or has limited effectiveness in cases of secondary headaches caused by conditions such as hypertension, encephalitis, brain tumors, or cervical spondylosis. In these situations, ibuprofen only temporarily alleviates pain but does not treat the underlying condition. Relying solely on medication may mask symptoms and delay proper diagnosis. For severe headaches (e.g., sudden, explosive pain), ibuprofen's pain-relieving effect is often insufficient, and prompt medical evaluation is necessary to rule out serious underlying conditions.

When using ibuprofen for headache relief, follow dosage instructions carefully to avoid overdose or prolonged use. Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as gastric ulcers or impaired liver or kidney function should inform their doctor beforehand to assess the safety of the medication.

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