Ibuprofen is classified as which type of drug?

Ibuprofen is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) because it works by reducing inflammation, pain, and fever. As a member of the NSAID class, ibuprofen inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which plays a role in the production of prostaglandins—compounds that mediate inflammation and pain in the body. By blocking COX activity, ibuprofen effectively diminishes the symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, menstrual pain, and other related ailments.

The other classifications do not apply to ibuprofen. Anticonvulsants are primarily used to manage seizures, antibiotics treat bacterial infections, and antihyperlipidemics are medications used to lower lipid levels in the blood. Each of these drug categories has distinct mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses that are not relevant to the characteristics and effects of ibuprofen.