How long can you safely take a regular dosage of ibuprofen?

It is not recommended to take over-the-counter ibuprofen for more than 10 days for the purposes of pain relief, states Drugs.com. The National Health Service recommends older people who have been given long-term ibuprofen prescriptions take other drugs to protect themselves from stomach ulcers.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for pain relief, in particular for period pains and joint pains. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take ibuprofen unless it is recommended by a doctor, according to the National Health Service. People who suffer from high blood pressure should also be cautious when using ibuprofen.