Ibuprofen is so widely used that it can be easy to forget this drug can cause side effects. Still, ibuprofen is a drug, and it comes with risks like any other drug. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Larson on can you drink alcohol while taking prednisone: Alcohol in modest amounts is not a significant issue. If you use ibuprofen for long-term treatment, check with your doctor before you have a drink. Your doctor will let you know if it’s safe to drink from time to time based on your risk factors. A drug is any substance that, when taken or administered into the body has a physiological effect. Learn about the effects and laws around different drugs. If you wake up with a headache after a night of overindulging, sometimes figuring out what painkiller to take can make the headache even worse. Taking Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury. Ibuprofen is a painkiller available over the counter without a prescription. It's one of a group of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and can be used to: Ibuprofen is an everyday painkiller for a range of aches and pains, including back pain, period pain, toothache. It also treats inflammation such as strains and sprains, and pain from arthritis. How fond are you of your liver? Both alcohol and Ibuprofen are very hard on the liver. I understand a drink occasionally, and I have included the DC advice below. How an Ibuprofen Overdose Can Happen. When it comes to taking any medication — whether a prescription or one that’s available over-the-counter — you always want to take the smallest amount possible that will help relieve your symptoms.