Is ibuprofen sustained-release capsule a traditional Chinese medicine?

Nov 06, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules are not traditional Chinese medicine, but chemically synthesized non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), clearly differing from traditional Chinese medicines in terms of ingredients, development principles, and other aspects. When using medications in daily life, it is important to select the appropriate drug according to individual needs, strictly follow the instructions or professional guidance when taking them, and fully understand their components and functional characteristics to ensure safer and more effective use of the medication.

Generally speaking, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules are not traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but rather chemically synthesized non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They differ significantly from TCM in terms of ingredients, research and development principles, and other aspects. The specific analysis is as follows:

The core of traditional Chinese medicine lies in herbal ingredients, which are made from processed and compatibly combined Chinese medicinal materials, mostly consisting of natural extracts from plants, animals, or minerals, following the principles of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment. In contrast, the active ingredient in ibuprofen sustained-release capsules is ibuprofen, a single, well-defined synthetic chemical compound. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, and it does not possess properties defined by traditional Chinese medical theory such as medicinal properties or meridian tropism. Furthermore, the research, development, and production standards differ: TCM products must follow traditional prescriptions and processing guidelines, whereas chemical drugs adhere to chemical synthesis processes and Western pharmaceutical quality standards.

In daily medication use, appropriate drugs should be selected according to individual needs. To ensure safer and more effective therapeutic outcomes, it is essential to strictly follow instructions on the label or professional medical advice, and to clearly understand the drug's composition and characteristics of its effects.