International Ibuprofen Foundation - Suitability: Kidney Disease

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Ibuprofen and the renal system
Ibuprofen has not been shown to have any significant effects on the renal system at the low doses (up to 1200 mg/day) used for short term treatment with products purchased over-the-counter. Renal impairment has been reported at doses greater than 1600 mg/day, generally in the presence of other factors that increase the risk such as heart failure, kidney disease, dehydration or advanced age.

Epidemiological studies suggest that the incidence of renal failure occurring in people taking low-dose ibuprofen (up to 1200 mg/day) is 0.007%. This favourable safety profile can be explained by several factors - ibuprofen is quickly metabolised, so it does not build up in the body; and over-the-counter ibuprofen products are used in low doses for short-term treatment by otherwise healthy people.

Ibuprofen and renal impairment
It is recommended that anyone who has or who thinks they may have impaired renal function should consult their pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication.

The safety of low-dose ibuprofen (up to 1200 mg/day) when used according to the instructions is not markedly affected by reduced renal function. This is because it is relatively quickly metabolised by the liver and little of the drug is excreted through the kidneys.