What is the drug Betaprofen used for?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to international drug databases, Betaprofen is a brand name for the active ingredient ibuprofen. What is the drug Betaprofen used for? It is primarily prescribed or sold over-the-counter to relieve minor aches, pain, and fever by reducing inflammation in the body.

Quick Summary

Betaprofen is an international brand name for the active ingredient ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: Betaprofen's active ingredient is ibuprofen, an NSAID used for pain, fever, and inflammation.
Mechanism of Action: It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and swelling.
Treatment Indications: Common uses include relieving headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, backaches, and minor arthritis pain.
Usage Considerations: Patients should always use as directed by a healthcare professional or product label and should take it with food to minimize stomach irritation.
Serious Risks: Betaprofen (ibuprofen) carries potential risks of stomach bleeding, ulcers, and serious cardiovascular events, particularly with long-term or high-dose use.
Drug Interactions: Caution is required when combining Betaprofen with other NSAIDs, blood thinners, or certain other medications.

What is Betaprofen?

Betaprofen is a brand name for the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen. It is sold under this name in various countries and functions the same as other ibuprofen products such as Motrin or Advil.

How Betaprofen (Ibuprofen) Works

As an NSAID, Betaprofen reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which produce prostaglandins that cause inflammation. By blocking these enzymes, Betaprofen decreases prostaglandins, reducing pain, swelling, and fever.

Common Uses of Betaprofen

Betaprofen is used for various conditions involving pain, fever, and inflammation. Its common applications include:

Headaches: Effective for tension headaches and migraines.
Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): Alleviates pain and discomfort.
Muscular Aches: Relieves pain from overexertion or minor injury.
Arthritis: Manages mild to moderate pain, swelling, and stiffness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Fever Reduction: Lowers fever associated with illnesses like the common cold.
Dental Pain: Provides relief for toothaches.
Backache: Eases minor back pain.
Minor Injuries: Addresses pain and inflammation from sprains and strains.

Administration

Proper use of Betaprofen requires following a healthcare provider's advice or label instructions.

Administration Tips:

Take Betaprofen with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Use according to healthcare professional guidance or product labeling.

Precautions and Warnings

Betaprofen is generally safe when used correctly but has important warnings, especially with long-term use:

Cardiovascular Risk: NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, can increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, especially with prolonged use.
Gastrointestinal Risk: There's an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding, ulcers, or perforation, particularly for individuals over 60, those with a history of ulcers, or those using blood thinners.
Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions can occur, especially in individuals with aspirin allergy.
Pregnancy: Avoid Betaprofen in the last trimester of pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus or delivery complications.
Other Conditions: Consult a doctor if you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or asthma.

Comparison Table: Betaprofen (Ibuprofen) vs. Other Common Pain Relievers


Feature	Betaprofen (Ibuprofen)	Acetaminophen (Paracetamol, e.g., Betagesic)	Aspirin	Naproxen (Aleve)
Drug Class	NSAID	Analgesic/Antipyretic	NSAID	NSAID
Mechanism	Inhibits COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandins	Blocks chemical messengers in the brain	Inhibits COX enzymes and has antiplatelet effects	Inhibits COX enzymes
Inflammation	Strong anti-inflammatory	No anti-inflammatory effects	Anti-inflammatory at higher doses	Long-acting anti-inflammatory
Fever Reduction	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Primary Use	Pain, fever, inflammation	Pain, fever	Pain, fever, inflammation; low-dose for heart health	Extended pain relief (up to 12 hours)
Stomach Risk	Risk of bleeding/ulcers; take with food	Safer for the stomach; risk of liver damage in overdose	Higher risk of stomach bleeding	Risk of bleeding/ulcers, but longer-acting
Cardiac Risk	Increased risk of heart attack/stroke	Considered safer for heart than NSAIDs	Used for heart attack prevention in low doses	Increased risk of heart attack/stroke

Potential Side Effects

Betaprofen can cause side effects. If serious symptoms occur, stop taking the medication and consult a doctor.

Common Side Effects:

Nausea and vomiting
Upset stomach or heartburn
Gas or bloating
Constipation or diarrhea
Dizziness or nervousness

Serious Side Effects (seek medical attention immediately):

Signs of stomach bleeding: bloody or black stools, vomiting blood
Signs of allergic reaction: facial swelling, hives, wheezing
Signs of cardiovascular event: chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech
Severe rash or blisters
Unexplained weight gain or swelling

Conclusion

Betaprofen is a brand name for ibuprofen, an NSAID used for pain, fever, and inflammation by reducing prostaglandins. It treats various conditions but carries risks like gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular issues. Use as directed by a healthcare professional, especially with underlying health conditions or other medications.

For more detailed information on ibuprofen, refer to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Betaprofen is a brand name for the active ingredient ibuprofen. Advil and Motrin are also brand names for ibuprofen in other countries.

Betaprofen is used to treat mild to moderate pain from headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and minor injuries. It also helps reduce fever and manage the symptoms of arthritis.

To minimize gastrointestinal side effects, Betaprofen should be taken with food or milk. Follow the instructions on the package or as directed by your doctor.

No, NSAIDs like Betaprofen should not be used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, unless specifically directed by a doctor, as they can cause problems for the unborn child.

Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, gas, bloating, and dizziness. Taking it with food can help reduce stomach-related issues.

NSAIDs, including Betaprofen, can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use. This is why it's important to use as directed for the shortest time possible.

Depending on the country and strength, ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Betaprofen) is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for guidance.

Alcohol should be avoided while taking Betaprofen, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Ibuprofen is available for children, but it is essential to use formulations specifically designed for pediatric use and to follow the instructions from a healthcare provider or product label based on the child's age and weight.