Prescription drug

High-dose anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen)

Prescription drug.

How to take it

There is no established standard dose for this case; it is advisable to consult a professional.

Safety

Occasional use and as needed; consult if chronic.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Strength and hypertrophy gains

harms Moderate study (A)

Randomized trial (8 weeks): taking high-dose ibuprofen (1,200 mg/day) daily blunted the strength and muscle gains from training, compared with a low dose of aspirin (75 mg). Avoid routine high-dose anti-inflammatories if you are looking to adapt to training.

View the study (study) →

In depth

Drug · Highest evidence: Moderate · 1 finding

⚠️ Occasional use as needed; consult a doctor if chronic.

Findings

Strength and hypertrophy gains — harms (Moderate, study). Randomized trial (8 weeks): taking high-dose ibuprofen (1,200 mg/day) daily blunted the strength and muscle gains from training, compared with low-dose aspirin (75 mg). Avoid routine high-dose anti-inflammatories if you want to adapt to training. 28834248

Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.