Ibuprofen, molecular model. Ibuprofen is a common medication for pain relief, fever and inflammation. The compound is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attack, and it can cause stomach bleeding. Ibuprofen is chiral and is marketed as a racemic mixture. The S isomer, shown here, is the more active form of the drug. Atoms are colour-coded: carbon is black; hydrogen is white; oxygen is red.