Based on NIH | Does ibuprofen contain rice or rice-derived ingredients, and is it safe for someone with a rice allergy to take it?

Ibuprofen and rice-derived ingredients: what to know Most common ibuprofen products do not list rice or rice-derived ingredients (such as rice starch) in their inactive ingredient lists. ^{[1] [2]} Many widely available ibuprofen tablets and caplets use excipients like corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, and various colorants and coatings, rather than rice-based components. ^{[1] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]}

That said, inactive ingredients can vary by brand, dose, and even lot, so it’s important to check the exact product label or the official listing for the specific ibuprofen you plan to use. ^{[8] [9]} Some labels note “may contain” lists for certain excipients, which can change across manufacturers and products, even when the active ingredient is the same. ^{[8] [10]}

Do common ibuprofen products contain rice?

• Examples of branded and store-brand ibuprofen show inactive ingredient lists without rice or rice starch. ^{[1] [3]} Several 600–800 mg ibuprofen tablet listings specify corn starch and sodium starch glycolate (potato), not rice. ^{[2] [4] [5]} Other product monographs list “starch” without specifying rice; in such cases, the same listings typically enumerate other specific starch sources elsewhere (e.g., corn or potato), suggesting rice is not used. ^{[11] [12]}

Safety for people with rice allergy

• Pharmaceutical excipients can sometimes be derived from foods, but true allergic reactions to these ingredients are considered uncommon, largely because the amount of residual allergenic protein is typically very low. ^[13] In practice, most medications are tolerated even by people with food allergies, unless there has been a prior reaction to a specific product. ^[13] If a reaction has occurred to a particular medication, evaluation for sensitivity to a food-derived excipient is reasonable. ^[13]
• Rice allergy is recognized, and rice proteins can cross-react with other cereal grains within the grass family; however, this concerns protein-containing food exposures rather than purified pharmaceutical excipients that often contain negligible protein. ^{[14] [15]}

Practical steps if you have a rice allergy

• Check the exact product’s inactive ingredient list on its label or in the official drug information entry for that product strength and brand to confirm there is no rice or rice starch. ^{[2] [3]} If an entry states “starch” without a source, look for another section or related strength that specifies the source (many list corn or potato) or contact the manufacturer. ^{[11] [12]}
• Prefer formulations that explicitly list non-rice starches (e.g., corn starch, sodium starch glycolate [potato]). ^{[2] [4] [5]}
• If you have had any prior reaction to a specific ibuprofen product, consider avoiding that exact product and discuss with a clinician; switching to a version with clearly identified non-rice excipients is a reasonable approach. ^[13]
• For individuals with severe, proven rice anaphylaxis, using an ibuprofen product whose excipients are fully specified and clearly non–rice-derived provides added reassurance. ^[13]

Bottom line

• Based on multiple official product listings, commonly used ibuprofen tablets and caplets do not include rice or rice-derived ingredients; they more often contain corn starch, potato-based disintegrants, cellulose, and standard tablet coatings. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]}
• Allergic reactions to food-derived excipients in medications are possible but appear to be uncommon; most people with food allergies tolerate medications when the excipient source does not match their specific allergen or contains negligible protein. ^[13]
• If you have a rice allergy, ibuprofen is generally considered likely to be safe when you select a product whose label lists non-rice excipients; verify each product’s inactive ingredient list before use. ^{[2] [3] [13]}