Written by: Ahsan Riaz
Reviewed by: Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD, RPh — Pharmacist, Medical Writer, and Author

If you’ve seen a small pill or capsule with “G2” written on it, you might be curious about what it is and if it’s safe to use. Many people come across these pills in an old medicine bottle or mixed with other medications and want to know whether they should keep or discard them.

The G2 pill is usually identified as Ibuprofen 200 mg, a common pain reliever that also helps reduce fever and inflammation. It’s available without a prescription and used by millions for everyday aches and pains.

One thing to know — G2 pills can come in different colors like red, brown or orange, depending on the company that makes them.

Let’s look at what each color means and how to use this medicine safely.

What Is the G2 Pill?

The imprint G2 is used on several pills that contain Ibuprofen 200 mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Ibuprofen is one of the most common painkillers in the United States and is sold under brand names like Advil, Motrin, and many generic labels.

It’s used to treat:

• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle pain or soreness
• Menstrual cramps
• Toothaches
• Joint pain and arthritis
• Fever or flu-related body aches

Because it reduces inflammation, it’s often the first choice for short-term pain relief.

G2 Pill Identification (Color & Shape Guide)

The G2 pill comes in different colors and shapes, depending on the manufacturer, but all contain Ibuprofen 200 mg. Here’s how to recognize them:

Pill Color	Shape	Imprint	Strength	Manufacturer	Description
Red Pill	Round	G2	200 mg	Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc	Common OTC pain reliever
Brown Pill	Round	G2	200 mg	Granules Pharmaceuticals	Often coated for easier swallowing
Orange Pill	Round	G2	200 mg	Various (generic ibuprofen)	Similar to Advil tablet appearance

These pills are identical in effect — the color variation is just due to coating dyes or branding differences.

If you’re unsure whether your pill is really Ibuprofen, use a reliable pill identifier tool like Drugs.com Pill Identifier and enter the imprint G2.

How to Use the G2 Pill (Ibuprofen) Safely

The G2 is an OTC product containing ibuprofen that can be purchased over-the-counter. However, like all medications, the proper and safe use is important.

Dosages for Adults

Take 1-2 pills of 200mg (G2) every 4-6 hours as needed.

However, do not take more than 1200mg of Ibuprofen per 24 hour period, unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Food and Milk

It is essential to take G2 with food or milk at the same time to reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Cautionary Situations

Do not use G2 if:

• you suffer from stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding;
• are pregnant (especially during the last three months);
• have renal or cardiovascular issues; or,
• are taking anticoagulants or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Do Not Drink Alcohol While Taking G2

Drinking alcohol while using G2 will increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Side Effects of Ibuprofen

All medicines, including Ibuprofen, may cause side effects when taken. These are most common when patients take more than they should, or for longer periods of time.

Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen

Side effects of G2 include:

• upset stomach
• nausea
• mild dizziness
• gas/bloating.

Rare but Serious Side Effects of Ibuprofen

In addition to the common side effects listed above, G2 users may experience the following serious but infrequent side effects:

• stomach bleeding (black stools or tarry stools)
• chest pain or shortness of breath
• swollen ankles/feet
• severe headaches/confusion.

If you develop any of these serious symptoms, discontinue the medication and seek immediate medical assistance.

How the G2 Pill (Ibuprofen) Works

Ibuprofen works by blocking prostaglandins, chemicals your body releases when tissues get injured or inflamed.
These chemicals cause pain, swelling, and fever — so by lowering prostaglandin production, Ibuprofen helps you feel better faster.

The effects typically start within 30 to 60 minutes and last around 4 to 6 hours.

G2 Pill vs Other Painkillers

Here’s how the G2 pill (Ibuprofen) compares to other common over-the-counter pain relievers in the U.S.:

Medicine	Active Ingredient	Main Use	Duration	Notes
G2 Pill (Ibuprofen)	Ibuprofen 200 mg	Pain, inflammation, fever	4–6 hours	Anti-inflammatory
Tylenol	Acetaminophen 500 mg	Pain, fever	4–6 hours	Gentler on stomach, no inflammation relief
Aspirin	Acetylsalicylic acid	Pain, inflammation	4–6 hours	Thins blood, not for everyone
Aleve	Naproxen 220 mg	Pain, inflammation	8–12 hours	Longer lasting than Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen strikes a good balance between effectiveness and safety when used correctly.

Can You Take the G2 Pill Daily?

Occasional use is fine for mild pain or fever.
But taking it every day without medical advice can lead to stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, or kidney strain.

If you need it for more than a few days, talk to your doctor about a safer long-term pain management plan.

Where to Buy the G2 Pill

You can buy Ibuprofen (G2) pills easily across the United States, both in stores and online.
They’re available at:

• Local pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart
• Grocery stores that have a pharmacy counter
• Trusted online stores such as Amazon or Rite Aid

Before you buy, check a few things:

• The pill should have the G2 imprint
• The label should say Ibuprofen 200 mg
• The expiration date should be clearly printed and valid

Always purchase from verified sellers or licensed pharmacies. Avoid loose pills or unsealed packages — fake or old medicine can be harmful to your health.

References

• Drugs.com – Ibuprofen Pill Identification
• Mayo Clinic – Ibuprofen (Oral Route)
• WebMD – Ibuprofen Overview

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer