Ibuprofen, also known as Advil or Motrin, is one of the first-line medications for reducing pain and fever. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
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However, it is important to know how much ibuprofen you can take
in a given situation to ensure you get the desired effect while taking it
safely. The usual dose for adults is 1,200 milligrams (mg) to 3,200 mg, divided
into four to six doses per day.
The article discusses various dosage forms, uses, and appropriate dosages for treating various conditions in adults and children.
Ibuprofen dosage forms and specifications
Prescription ibuprofen is available in tablet and oral suspension
(liquid) forms. Over-the-counter ibuprofen can be used for:
oral tablet
chewable tablets
capsule
gel capsule
suspension (liquid)
drops (concentrated liquid)
Ibuprofen may also be used in combination with other medications,
such as Advil PM (diphenhydramine and ibuprofen) and Duexis (famotidine and
ibuprofen).
Ibuprofen is available in a variety of strengths, including 200
mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg capsules, suspensions, and tablets.
How much ibuprofen can be taken in one dose?
The maximum single dose of ibuprofen for adults is 200 mg to 800
mg.
Pediatric dosage is calculated as needed based on body weight. The
maximum recommended dose is 40 mg/kg.
How much ibuprofen can I take in a day?
The adult dose is 200 to 400 mg every four to six hours. The
dosage and frequency of ibuprofen use should be adjusted based on the needs of
the individual and their response to the medication. However, do not exceed a
total daily dose of 3200 mg.
Can ibuprofen and Tylenol be taken together?
Ibuprofen and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are the most commonly used
analgesics (pain relievers). Lower doses of each drug provide greater
effectiveness without compromising safety.
For some people, the recommended doses of these medications do not
provide complete pain relief. Increasing the recommended dose may result in
decreased analgesic efficacy and increased risk of side effects.
However, the combination of ibuprofen and Tylenol may be
beneficial in treating acute over-the-counter pain. They provide analgesic
effects through different mechanisms of action, so there are no drug
interactions when used together.
Ibuprofen Dosage Guide
Generally, ibuprofen is a prescription or over-the-counter
medication that can be taken 3 to 4 times a day, every 4 to 6 hours, as needed
for pain relief in adults and children over 12 years of age.
Children under 12 and infants can usually take over-the-counter
ibuprofen every six to eight hours and pain relievers as needed within 24
hours.
However, do not take ibuprofen more than four to six times in a
24-hour period.
The table below provides a general overview of different dosages
for a certain condition.
|
Condition |
Dose
in Adults |
Dose
in Children |
|
Mild
to moderate pain |
400
mg every four to six hours, as needed. |
10
mg/kg/day every six to eight hours up to 40 mg/kg/day as needed |
|
For
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile arthritis |
1200
mg up to 3200 mg per day divided into three or four equal doses |
30
mg/kg/day to 40 mg/kg/day divided into three to four doses as needed |
|
Dysmenorrhea |
400
mg every four hours as needed |
- |
|
Fever |
400
mg every four to six hours, as needed |
The
dose must be determined by a healthcare provider based on body weight
calculation. The usual dose is 5 mg/kg/day to 10 mg/kg/day |
arthritis pain
The recommended dose for arthritis in adults is 1,200 mg to 3,200
mg daily (400 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg three to four times daily).
Dosage adjustments are based on individual needs. It may increase
or decrease depending on the severity of your symptoms and response to the
medication. People with rheumatoid arthritis usually need higher doses of
ibuprofen tablets than people with osteoarthritis.
For mild to moderate pain, 400 milligrams should be taken every
four to six hours for pain relief.
menstrual cramps
For the treatment of dysmenorrhea, the initial dose is 400 mg
every four hours, as needed for pain relief.
Dosage Information for Children and Teenagers
When it comes to dosing for kids and teenagers, it's important to
follow these general recommendations:
- For children aged six months to two years, it's recommended to
administer 5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg every 6 to 8 hours for fever and mild to
moderate discomfort. The advised daily maximum dose is 40 mg/kg.
- For juvenile arthritis, it's suggested to give three to four
doses of 30 mg/kg to 40 mg/kg per day. The starting dose for mild pain could be
20 mg/kg/day.
- When children and teenagers are using prescription ibuprofen
products, the dosage adjustment is based on body weight. It's crucial to
consult a medical professional to determine the best dosage for your child. The
label should indicate the child's age.
Please discontinue giving nonprescription ibuprofen to your child
if there is no improvement within the first 24 hours. Contact a healthcare
provider if your child experiences new symptoms, such as redness or swelling at
the painful site, or if the pain or fever worsens or persists for more than
three days.
Dosage adjustments for ibuprofen may be necessary for individuals
with certain pre-existing conditions to prevent adverse effects. Notify your
healthcare provider before using ibuprofen if you have impaired kidney
function, heart problems, liver dysfunction, pre-existing asthma,
phenylketonuria, or if you are taking diuretics and ACE inhibitor medicines.
Stop ibuprofen use and seek medical attention if you experience
symptoms of a cardiovascular thrombotic event like chest pain, shortness of
breath, weakness, or slurred speech, symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding or
an ulcer such as pain in the upper abdomen, dark stools, or vomiting blood,
serious skin reactions accompanied by a fever, symptoms of liver toxicity like
nausea, fatigue, jaundice, or flu-like symptoms, or symptoms of heart failure
or edema such as shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain, or swelling.
Using
During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
It is advisable to avoid taking ibuprofen after 20 weeks of
pregnancy, as it may pose risks to the fetus and affect the delivery process.
Before taking ibuprofen around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy,
it's important to consult your healthcare provider. If you are pregnant or
breastfeeding while using ibuprofen, it's best to contact your healthcare
provider for guidance. Tylenol is often recommended as a safer alternative
during pregnancy.
Kidney or Liver Problems
It has been found that nearly 15% of individuals undergoing
ibuprofen therapy experience an increase in liver function test results. It is
important for individuals with liver disease to undergo regular liver function
tests while using ibuprofen, as ibuprofen-induced hepatitis can have fatal
consequences. Additionally, ibuprofen has the potential to decrease blood flow
to the kidneys, which may result in kidney damage. This risk is particularly
heightened for individuals with existing kidney issues as well as those over
the age of 65.
Can You Overdose on Ibuprofen?
Taking a medicine at its recommended dose is mandatory for its
proper use. Overusing any medicine can lead to severe and sometimes dangerous
adverse effects.
Ibuprofen overdose is usually not fatal.
An ibuprofen overdose may cause symptoms such as:
Drowsiness
Extreme tiredness
Fast eye movements that you cannot control
Lips, mouth, and nose turning blue
Nausea
Slow or difficult breathing
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Call the emergency or the Poison Control Center if a person has:
Collapsed
Seizure
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Chest pain
Slurred speech
Swelling of the face or throat
Weakness in one part or side of your body
Summary
Ibuprofen is a commonly used NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation
associated with various conditions.
It is available in prescription and OTC for adults and children.
Ibuprofen is also available as a combination medicine with other drugs.
The maximum daily dose for adults ranges from 200 to 800 mg every four to six
hours daily as required, but it should not exceed 3200 mg per day.
When using ibuprofen in children, read the prescription label or patient
information leaflet for OTC products.
Never give more than recommended.
The dose of ibuprofen in children depends on age and body weight.
The maximum daily dose in children should not exceed 40 mg/kg/day.
Usually, ibuprofen is not toxic;
however, call healthcare providers in case of an overdose to avoid potentially
harmful effects.
Read
the original article on Verywell Health.
