What is the main therapeutic application of ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is primarily known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and its main therapeutic applications revolve around its ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. The mechanism by which ibuprofen works involves the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which play a critical role in the synthesis of prostaglandins—compounds that mediate inflammation and pain responses in the body.

When patients are experiencing conditions such as arthritis, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, or other forms of pain, ibuprofen effectively alleviates discomfort by not only targeting pain but also addressing the underlying inflammatory process. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a common first-line medication for such conditions in both acute and chronic settings.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with ibuprofen's pharmacological properties. Reducing blood pressure is not a primary function of ibuprofen; rather, antihypertensive medications are designed for that purpose. Improving cholesterol levels is typically managed through lipid-lowering agents like statins, not NSAIDs. Inducing sleep is generally associated with sedative medications, which is outside the therapeutic scope of ibuprofen. Thus, the correct understanding of ibuprofen’s role highlights its significance in