Ibuprofen, also known as Advil or Motrin, is one of the first-line medications of choice to reduce pain and fever. It belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Ibuprofen can be used to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. menstrual cramps (menstrual pain), muscle pain, back pain. It is also used to relieve cold symptoms. Ibuprofen is available by prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and even in combination products with other medications.
However, knowing how much ibuprofen you can take for your specific condition is important to ensure that you get the desired effects while taking it safely. The typical adult dose is between 1200 mg and 3200 mg divided into 4 to 6 daily doses.
This article discusses the different dosage forms, uses, and appropriate dosages for adults and children for different conditions.
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Ibuprofen dosage forms and benefits
Prescription ibuprofen is available in oral tablet form and suspension (liquid) form. Non-prescription ibuprofen includes:
- oral tablet
- chewable tablet
- capsule
- gel capsules
- Suspension (liquid)
- drop (concentrated liquid)
Ibuprofen is also available in combination with other medications, such as Advil PM (diphenhydramine and ibuprofen) and Duexis (famotidine and ibuprofen).
Ibuprofen is available in various strengths: 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg capsules, suspension, and tablets.
How much ibuprofen can I take at one time?
The maximum single dose of ibuprofen for adults is 200 mg to 800 mg.
Children's dosage is calculated as needed based on body weight. The maximum recommended dose is 40 mg/kg.
How much ibuprofen can you take per day?
Adult dosage is 200 to 400 mg per dose every 4 to 6 hours. Ibuprofen intake and frequency should be adjusted based on individual needs and response to the drug. However, do not exceed your total daily dose of 3200 mg.
Can I take ibuprofen and Tylenol together?
Ibuprofen and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are among the most widely used painkillers (painkillers). Lower doses of each drug may provide greater efficacy without compromising safety.
For some people, the recommended doses of these medications do not completely relieve pain. Increasing the recommended dosage may decrease the analgesic effect and increase the risk of side effects.
However, combining ibuprofen and Tylenol may be advantageous for treating acute pain in the OTC setting. Because they provide pain relief through different mechanisms of action, there are no drug-drug interactions when used together.
Ibuprofen Dosage Guide
Typically, ibuprofen is prescribed or used OTC 3 to 4 times daily, 4 to 6 hours apart, as needed for pain in adults and children over 12 years of age.
Children and infants under 12 years of age can usually be given over-the-counter ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours as needed to relieve pain within 24 hours.
However, do not take ibuprofen more than 4 to 6 times in 24 hours.
The table below provides a general overview of the different capacities depending on your condition.
Ibuprofen Dosage | ||
---|---|---|
situation | Adult Dosage | Children's Dosage |
Mild to moderate pain | 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. | 10 mg/kg/day every 6 to 8 hours, up to 40 mg/kg/day as needed. |
For osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis | Take 1200mg to 3200mg per day divided into equal doses 3 to 4 times. | Administer 30mg/kg/day to 40mg/kg/day in 3 to 4 divided doses as needed. |
menstrual cramps | 400 mg every 4 hours as needed | – |
Fever | 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Dosage should be determined by your healthcare provider based on weight calculations. Typical dosage is 5 mg/kg/day to 10 mg/kg/day. |
arthritis pain
The recommended dosage for arthritis in adults is 1200 mg to 3200 mg per day (400 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg three to four times per day).
Dosage adjustments are made based on individual needs. It may increase or decrease depending on the severity of your symptoms and response to medication. People with rheumatoid arthritis typically need higher doses of ibuprofen tablets than people with osteoarthritis.
For mild to moderate pain, 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours is required for pain relief.
Menstrual pain
For the treatment of dysmenorrhea, the initial dose begins with 400 mg every 4 hours as needed to relieve pain.
Dosage in Children and Adolescents
General dosing instructions for children are as follows:
- Fever and mild to moderate pain: For children 6 months to 2 years old, 5mg/kg to 10mg/kg every 6 to 8 hours. The recommended maximum daily dose is 40 mg/kg.
- juvenile arthritis: The recommended dose is 30mg/kg/day to 40mg/kg/day, administered in 3 to 4 divided doses. For mild pain, the initial dose may be 20 mg/kg/day.
Dosage adjustments depend on the weight of children and adolescents for whom ibuprofen products are prescribed. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the best dose for your child.
When taking OTC ibuprofen products, read the package carefully. Always make sure you are providing the correct product for a specific indication and the correct dosage consistent with the child's age indicated on the label.
When administering the suspension, shake the solution well before each use. Use the measuring cup or device provided to measure each dosage of suspension.
Stop giving non-prescription ibuprofen if your child's symptoms do not improve during the first 24 hours of treatment. Contact your health care provider if your child develops new symptoms, such as redness or swelling of the painful area of the child's body, or if pain or fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days.
When is a dosage adjustment necessary?
Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used NSAIDs. It is safe and effective when used in recommended doses. However, for some pre-existing conditions, dose adjustment or treatment discontinuation is necessary to avoid side effects.
Tell your healthcare provider before using ibuprofen products if:
Stop taking ibuprofen and call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Symptoms of cardiovascular thrombosis symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or slurred speech
- Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers, such as pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, indigestion, dark stools, and vomiting blood
- Severe skin reactions such as rash or blisters along with fever
- Symptoms of liver toxicity, including nausea, fatigue, jaundice, and flu-like symptoms
- Symptoms of heart failure or edema, including shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain, or swelling
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
It is not recommended to take ibuprofen around the 20th week of pregnancy. It can harm the fetus and cause problems during childbirth.
Do not take ibuprofen before or after 20 weeks of pregnancy without asking your healthcare provider. If you become pregnant while taking ibuprofen or breastfeeding, call your health care provider. Tylenol is often the preferred alternative during pregnancy.
kidney or liver problems
Nearly 15% of people receiving ibuprofen treatment show elevations in liver function tests. People with liver disease need regular liver function tests when receiving ibuprofen. Hepatitis caused by ibuprofen can lead to death.
Ibuprofen may reduce blood flow to the kidneys, which may lead to kidney damage. People with kidney problems and people over age 65 are at greater risk.
Can you overdose on ibuprofen?
For correct use, it is essential to take the medicine in the recommended dosage. Excessive use of the drug can cause serious and sometimes dangerous side effects.
Ibuprofen overdose is usually not fatal.
Ibuprofen overdose can cause symptoms such as:
- drowsiness
- extreme fatigue
- uncontrollable rapid eye movements
- Lips, mouth, and nose turn blue.
- sickness
- slow or difficult breathing
- colic
- throw up
Call 911 or a poison control center if anyone:
- collapsed
- Seizure
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- unclear speech
- swelling of the face or neck
- Weakness in one part or side of the body
summary
Ibuprofen is a commonly used NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation associated with a variety of conditions. Available by prescription and OTC for adults and children. Ibuprofen can also be used in combination with other medications.
The maximum daily dose for adults ranges from 200 to 800 mg every 4 to 6 hours daily as needed, but should not exceed 3200 mg per day.
When using ibuprofen in children, read the prescription label or patient information leaflet for the OTC product. Do not give more than recommended. Ibuprofen dosage for children depends on their age and weight. The maximum daily dose in children should not exceed 40 mg/kg/day.
In general, ibuprofen is not toxic. However, if you overdose, call your health care provider to avoid potentially harmful effects.