Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.
Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): it blocks the COX enzymes that make prostaglandins, the signals behind pain, fever and inflammation. It is used for headache, toothache, period pain, muscle and joint pain, arthritis and fever, and is sold without prescription in most countries. Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nurofen.
Ibuprofen is broken down mainly by the liver enzyme CYP2C9, with help from CYP2C8. People with reduced-function CYP2C9 versions such as *3, and especially poor metabolizers with two of them, clear it more slowly and keep higher levels for longer. CPIC has published a guideline on CYP2C9 and the NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, and the US FDA lists an effect on drug levels. Studies have also looked at CYP2C8 variants, which often travel together with CYP2C9*2, with weaker evidence.
Clinical guidelines that name a gene for Ibuprofen. They sort people into groups by the gene copies they carry.
CPIC guideline: CYP2C9. CYP2C9 activity score 0 to 2. Strong. 2020.
Every published finding on gene variants and Ibuprofen. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.
PharmGKB weighs all studies of a variant and rates how strong the evidence is, from 1A (strongest) to 4.
CYP2C9 CYP2C9*1, CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3: Level 1A · replicated. Metabolism/PK. 5.
CYP2C8 CYP2C8*1, CYP2C8*3: Level 3. Metabolism/PK. 5.
PTGS2 rs20417: Level 3. Efficacy. 2.
rs9933632: Level 3. Toxicity. 1.
Studies of how quickly the body processes this medication.
Studies of how well it worked in people carrying a variant.
Studies of how much of the drug people needed or tolerated.
CYP2C8 CYP2C8*1, CYP2C8*3: CYP2C8 *1/*3 is associated with decreased dose of ibuprofen.
Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.
More drugs from the same category
Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.
Content updated September 2026.
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