Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a common treatment for relieving fever, pain, and inflammation. The most common ibuprofen side effects are gastrointestinal. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs should be avoided in the third trimester to prevent possible serious health issues in newborns. Because ibuprofen can also cause problems with amniotic fluid and the fetus’s kidneys, ibuprofen use is discouraged between weeks 20 and 29 of a pregnancy. Acetaminophen is the preferred pain relief medication and fever reducer for pregnant women. What are the long-term side effects of ibuprofen? Nonprescription ibuprofen comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, gel capsule, suspension (liquid), and drops (concentrated liquid). Adults and children older than 12 years of age may usually take nonprescription ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain or fever, but should not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours. Children and infants may usually be given nonprescription ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours as needed for pain or fever, but should not be given more than 4 doses in 24 hours. …