how does ibuprofen work

Ibuprofen works by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) that are involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. By blocking these enzymes, ibuprofen reduces the levels of prostaglandins, which leads to decreased pain, swelling, and fever. It mainly blocks the cyclooxygenase pathway responsible for inflammation and thus provides its analgesic (pain- relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. Ibuprofen inhibits COX-1 about 2.5 times more strongly than COX-2. It typically starts working within 20 to 30 minutes after oral intake.