What’s ibuprofen in Korean?

The following is a tip on traditional Korean language and customs in response to a query from a Mr. Valetti, who wrote to us from New York City:

Q. Mr. Valetti:
I was visiting Korea for several weeks with a group of American performers last month.

A couple of female dancers had a bad case of menstrual cramps and asked me to get an effective pain reliever or ibuprofen. It’s a common over-the-counter drug in many countries, so I went to a nearby drugstore and asked for it. But the pharmacist there didn’t understand, perhaps because of my pronunciation.

I was lucky. A Korean woman who spoke perfect English walked in and offered to help me. I explained the situation, and she said something to the pharmacist, a kind of brand name in Korean. He instantly knew what it was.

I was in a terrible rush then, so I thanked her profusely and left, running back to the theater.

I want to know the Korean name for the drug because my company is coming back to Korea later this year.

A. IHT-JAD:
Ibuprofen is common in Korean drugstores, but that term is rarely used.

A reputable Korean drug company renamed it “burupen.” There are two kinds, though: a syrup version used as a cold remedy, and tablets that are taken to relieve pain.