How much ibuprofen can I take and how often?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 6, 2022.

What is the maximum amount you can take?

Adults can take one or two ibuprofen 200mg tablets (200mg to 400mg) three or four times daily if they need to. You should only take ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours.

You should not take more than 6 tablets (1200mg) in total in one day if you have bought them over the counter, from a supermarket or drug store. You should always try and take the smallest dose needed that gives you relief.

If your doctor has prescribed them for you on prescription, usually as a higher strength tablet, then you can take a maximum of 3200mg in one day.

How much ibuprofen is in a single dose?

A single dose of ibuprofen contains 200mg if it has been bought over the counter from a supermarket or a drug store. Extra strength tablets usually contain 400mg. Some prescription strengths of ibuprofen contain an even higher dose, such as 600mg or 800mg. Always check the label on the packet to make sure you know what dosage your ibuprofen tablets contain.

How often can you take Ibuprofen?

You can take ibuprofen every four to six hours.

How much ibuprofen can you take in a day?

You should not take more than 6 tablets (1200mg) in total in one day if you have bought them over the counter, from a supermarket or drug store.

If your doctor has prescribed them for you on prescription, usually as a higher strength tablet, then you can take a maximum of 3200mg in one day.

You should always try and take the smallest dose needed that gives you relief.

How much ibuprofen is too much?

More than 3200mg of ibuprofen in one day is too much.

What happens if you take too much ibuprofen?

If you take too much ibuprofen you may develop stomach problems, such as heartburn, indigestion, or a stomach ulcer. You may experience bleeding from your gastrointestinal tract or from anywhere in your body and you may feel dizzy.

Occasionally people who have overdosed on ibuprofen have developed kidney failure or seizures. Metabolic acidosis (a build-up of acidic by-products in the blood) has been reported and an increase in the time it takes for blood to clot can occur.

If you suspect a person has overdosed on ibuprofen, seek medical attention immediately. Usually, doctors can reverse the effects of an ibuprofen overdose if the person is seen quickly.

References

• Ibuprofen. Updated 01/2021. Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/ibuprofen.html
• Ibuprofen (oral route). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20070602

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Drug information

• Ibuprofen Information for Consumers
• Ibuprofen Information for Healthcare Professionals
  (includes dosage details)
• Side Effects of Ibuprofen
  (detailed)

Related support groups

• Ibuprofen
  (249 questions, 230 members)

Medical Disclaimer

Ibuprofen dosing for children: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Taking ibuprofen can help children feel better when they have colds or minor injuries. As with all drugs, it is important to give children the correct dose. Ibuprofen is safe when taken as directed. But taking too much of this medicine can be harmful.

Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can help:

• Reduce aches, pain, sore throat, or fever in children with a cold or the flu
• Relieve headaches or toothaches
• Reduce pain and swelling from an injury or broken bone

Ibuprofen can be taken as liquid or chewable tablets. To give the correct dose, you need to know your child’s weight.

You also need to know how much ibuprofen is in a tablet, teaspoon (tsp), 1.25 milliliters (mL), or 5 mL of the product you are using. You can read the label to find out.

• For chewable tablets, the label will tell you how many milligrams (mg) are found in each tablet, for example 50 mg per tablet.
• For liquids, the label will tell you how many mg are found in 1 tsp, in 1.25 mL, or in 5mL. For example, the label may read 100 mg/1 tsp, 50 mg/1. 25 mL, or 100 mg/5 mL.

For liquids, you need some type of dosing syringe. It may come with the medicine, or you can ask your pharmacist. Make sure to clean it after every usage.

If your child weighs 12 to 17 pounds (lbs) or 5.4 to 7.7 kilograms (kg):

• For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 1.25 mL dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp) on the label, give a ½ tsp dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 2.5 mL dose.

If your child weighs 18 to 23 lbs or 8 to 10 kg:

• For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 1.875 mL dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a ¾ tsp dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 4 mL dose.

If your child weighs 24 to 35 lbs or 10.5 to 15.5 kg:

• For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 2. 5 mL dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 1 tsp dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 5 mL dose.
• For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 2 tablets.

If your child weighs 36 to 47 lbs or 16 to 21 kg:

• For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 3.75 mL dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 1½ tsp dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 7.5 mL dose.
• For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 3 tablets.

If your child weighs 48 to 59 lbs or 21.5 to 26.5 kg:

• For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 5 mL dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 2 tsp dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 10 mL dose.
• For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 4 tablets.
• For junior-strength tablets that say 100 mg tablets on the label, give 2 tablets.

If your child weighs 60 to 71 lbs or 27 to 32 kg:

• For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 2½ tsp dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 12.5 mL dose.
• For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 5 tablets.
• For junior-strength tablets that say 100 mg tablets on the label, give 2½ tablets.

If your child weighs 72 to 95 lbs or 32.5 to 43 kg:

• For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 3 tsp dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 15 mL dose.
• For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 6 tablets.
• For junior-strength tablets that say 100 mg tablets on the label, give 3 tablets.

If your child weighs 96 lbs or 43.5 kg or more:

• For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 4 tsp dose.
• For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 20 mL dose.
• For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 8 tablets.
• For junior-strength tablets that say 100 mg tablets on the label, give 4 tablets.

Try giving your child the medicine with food to avoid stomach upset. If you are not sure how much to give your child, call your health care provider.

Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months of age, unless directed by your provider. You should also check with your provider before giving ibuprofen to children under age 2 years or less than 12 pounds or 5.5 kilograms.

Make sure you don’t give your child more than one medicine with ibuprofen. For example, ibuprofen can be found in many allergy and cold remedies. Read the label before giving any medicine to children. You should not give medicine with more than one active ingredient to children under age 6 years.

There are important child medicine safety tips to follow.

• Carefully read all of the instructions on the label before giving your child medicine.
• Make sure you know the strength of the medicine in the bottle you purchased.
• Use the syringe, dropper, or dosing cup that comes with your child’s liquid medicine. You can also get one at your local pharmacy.
• Make sure you are using the right unit of measurement when filling medicine. You may have the option of milliliters (mL) or teaspoon (tsp) dosing.
• If you are not sure what medicine to give your child, call your provider.

Children with certain medical conditions or taking certain medicines should not take ibuprofen. Check with your provider.

Be sure to post the number for the poison control center by your home phone. If you think your child has taken too much medicine, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. It is open 24 hours a day. Signs of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Go to the nearest emergency room. Your child may need:

• Activated charcoal. Charcoal stops the body from absorbing the medicine. It has to be given within an hour. It does not work for every medicine.
• To be admitted to the hospital to be monitored.
• Blood tests to see what the medicine is doing.
• To have his or her heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure monitored.

Contact your provider if:

• You are not sure what dose of medicine to give your infant or child.
• You are having trouble getting your child to take medicine.
• Your child’s symptoms do not go away when you would expect.
• Your child is an infant and has signs of illness, such as fever.

Motrin; Advil

American Academy of Pediatrics website. Ibuprofen dosage table for fever and pain. Healthychildren.org. www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Ibuprofen-for-Fever-and-Pain.aspx. Updated October 21, 2021. Accessed February 7, 2023.

Aronson JK. Ibuprofen. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:5-12.

Theobald JL, Kostic MA. Poisoning. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 77.

Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Browse the Encyclopedia

Ibufen – instructions for use, doses, side effects, reviews of the drug Ibufen: – Encyclopedia of drugs RLS

Description of the drug Ibufen (oral suspension, 100 mg / 5 ml) is based on official instructions, approved by the manufacturer in 2004

Date of approval: 27. 07.2004

Content

• Active substance
• ATX
• Pharmacological group
• Nosological classification (ICD-10)
• Composition and form of release
• Description of the dosage form
• Pharmacokinetics
• Indications
• Contraindications
• Dosage and administration
• Side effects
• Interaction
• Overdose
• Precautionary measures
• special instructions
• Storage conditions
• Best before date
• Reviews

Active ingredient

Ibuprofen* (Ibuprofen*)

ATX

M01AE01 Ibuprofen

Pharmacological group

NSAIDs – Derivatives of propionic acid

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

ICD-10 code list

• G43 Migraine
• J02. 9 Acute pharyngitis, unspecified
• J06 Acute infections of the upper respiratory tract, multiple and unspecified
• J11 Influenza, virus not identified
• K00.7 Teething syndrome
• K08.8.0* Toothache
• M25.5 Joint pain
• M79. 1 Myalgia
• M79.2 Neuralgia and neuritis, unspecified
• R50 Fever of unknown origin
• R51 Headache
• T14.3 Dislocation, sprain and injury of capsular-ligamentous apparatus of joint, body region unspecified
• T14.9 Injury, unspecified
• T88. 1 Other complications associated with immunization, not elsewhere classified

Composition and formulation

in orange glass bottles of 100 g; in a box 1 bottle (a measure with a scale is attached to the package).

Description of dosage form

Suspension of orange color with an orange smell and sweet taste, with a slightly perceptible burning aftertaste. There may be a separation into a liquid layer and a precipitate, which, after mixing, constitute a homogeneous suspension.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, more than 80% is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. max “> C _max in blood plasma is achieved when taken on an empty stomach – after 45 minutes, when taken after a meal after 1. 5-2.5 hours. Protein binding – 90%. Slowly penetrates into the joint cavity, but in the synovial fluid creates concentrations greater than in blood plasma (C _max in synovial fluid is reached after 2-3 hours). It is metabolized mainly in the liver. It undergoes pre- and post-systemic metabolism. After absorption, about 60% of the pharmacologically inactive R-form is slowly transformed into active S-form Excreted by the kidneys (60–90% in the form of metabolites and products of their combination with glucuronic acid, to a lesser extent – with bile, unchanged – no more than 1%). It has a biphasic elimination kinetics with 1/2″>T _1/2 2–2.5 hours, after administration in a single dose, it is completely eliminated within 24 hours. The antipyretic effect of Ibufen develops after 30 minutes and lasts 6–8 hours.

Indications

As an antipyretic: for colds, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, tonsillitis (pharyngitis), childhood infections accompanied by fever, post-vaccination reactions. 0005

As an analgesic: for toothache, painful teething, headache, migraine, neuralgia, muscle and joint pain, trauma and burns.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity (including to acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs), peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, severe insufficiency of the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system, arterial hypertension, hemophilia, hypocoagulation, hemorrhagic diathesis, glucose deficiency -6-phosphate dehydrogenase, bronchospastic reactions after the use of acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs (“aspirin asthma”), Quincke’s edema, nasal polyps, hearing loss, infancy (up to 6 months, with body weight – below 7 kg).

Dosage and administration

Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?

By mouth , after eating. The average single dose is 5-10 mg/kg of body weight 3-4 times a day. Children aged 6 months – 1 year (7-9 kg) – 2.5 ml (50 mg) 3 times a day, the maximum daily dose is 7. 5 ml (150 mg). 1-3 years (10-15 kg) 2.5 ml (50 mg) 3-4 times daily, maximum daily dose 7.5-10 ml (150-200 mg). 3-6 years (16-20 kg) – 5 ml (100 mg) 3 times a day, the maximum daily dose is 15 ml (300 mg). 6-9 years (21-30 kg) – 5 ml (100 mg) 4 times a day, the maximum daily dose is 20 ml (400 mg). 9-12 years (31-41 kg) – 10 ml (200 mg) 3 times a day, the maximum daily dose is 30 ml (600 mg). Over 12 years (more than 41 kg) – 10 ml (200 mg) 4 times a day, the maximum daily dose is 40 ml (800 mg). The dose can be repeated every 6-8 hours. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose. For children from 6 months to 1 year, the drug is prescribed on the recommendation of a doctor.

Side effects

From the side of the central nervous system: headache, dizziness, sleep disturbance, anxiety, drowsiness, depression, agitation, visual impairment (reversible toxic amblyopia, blurred vision or double vision).

From the side of hematopoiesis: heart failure, tachycardia, increased blood pressure; anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia.

From the digestive tract: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, abnormal liver function, peptic ulcers, gastric bleeding.

From the urinary system: acute renal failure, allergic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome (edema), polyuria, cystitis.

Allergic reactions: itching, rash, bronchospastic syndrome, allergic rhinitis, angioedema, Steven-Johnson syndrome, Lyell’s syndrome.

Interactions

Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?

Should not be combined with other NSAIDs (acetylsalicylic acid reduces anti-inflammatory effect and increases side effects). When taken simultaneously with diuretics, the diuretic effect decreases and the risk of developing renal failure increases. Weakens the effect of antihypertensive drugs, incl. ACE inhibitors (simultaneously reduces their excretion by the kidneys), beta-adrenergic agents, thiazides. Enhances the effect of oral hypoglycemic agents (especially sulfonylurea derivatives) and insulin, indirect anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics (increases the risk of hemorrhagic complications), the toxic effect of methotrexate and lithium preparations, increases the concentration of digoxin in the blood.

Microsomal oxidation inducers (phenytoin, ethanol, barbiturates, zixorin, rifampicin, phenylbutazone, tricyclic antidepressants) increase the risk of developing severe hepatotoxic complications (increase the production of hydroxylated active metabolites), microsomal oxidation inhibitors reduce it. Caffeine enhances the pain-relieving effect.

Overdose

Symptoms: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, headache, tinnitus, depression, drowsiness, metabolic acidosis, hemorrhagic diathesis, decreased blood pressure, acute renal failure, abnormal liver function, tachycardia, bradycardia , atrial fibrillation; convulsions, apnea and coma (especially characteristic of children under 5 years of age).

Treatment: gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal, alkaline drink, symptomatic therapy (correction of acid-base balance, blood pressure).

Precautions

Use with caution in cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension, hepatic and/or renal insufficiency, heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia, gastric and duodenal ulcer (history), gastritis, enteritis, colitis, diseases blood (leukopenia, anemia), pregnancy (II-III trimesters), during breastfeeding. In patients with bronchial asthma or other diseases that occur with bronchospasm, there may be an increased risk of developing bronchospasm.

During long-term treatment, it is necessary to control the picture of peripheral blood and the functional state of the liver and kidneys. When symptoms of gastropathy appear, careful monitoring is indicated (conducting esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a blood test with the determination of hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood analysis).

If there is no antipyretic effect within 2 days and no analgesic effect within 3 days, you should consult a doctor. In case of side effects, stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.

Special instructions

Shake the vial before use until a homogeneous suspension is obtained. With prolonged use, NSAIDs can cause damage to the gastric mucosa, peptic ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Use with caution in diabetic patients – contains sugar.

If side effects occur, stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.

Storage conditions

In a place protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C, in the original packaging.

Keep out of reach of children.

Expiry date

3 years.

Do not use after the expiry date which is stated on the pack.

Nurofen®: dosage for adults and children over 6 years old

• Aches and pains
• Children to the doctor.

  How should I take Nurofen® (ibuprofen)?

  Nurofen® (ibuprofen) dosage for adults and children over 12 years old

  1 tablet (200 mg) 3-4 times a day. To achieve a faster therapeutic effect in adults, the dose may be increased. The maximum daily dose for adults is 1200 mg (6 tablets). The maximum daily dose for children aged 12 to 18 years is 800-1200 mg (4-6 tablets).

  Nurofen® (ibuprofen) dosage for children 6 to 12 years old

  1 tablet (200 mg) every 6-8 hours as needed. The drug can be used only if the child’s body weight is more than 20 kg. The maximum daily dose for children aged 6 to 9 years (20-30 kg) is 600 mg (3 tablets), from 10 to 12 years (31-40 kg) – 800 mg (4 tablets).

  Important:

  • Do not give Nurofen® tablets to children under 6 years of age or weighing less than 20 kg – use Nurofen® for children.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Taking too much ibuprofen can be harmful to your health.
  • Do not take Nurofen® for more than three days in a row without talking to your doctor.

  When to See a Doctor

  Nurofen® is indicated for the temporary relief of mild to moderate pain. If the pain does not go away for more than three days, seek the advice of a specialist.

  In some cases, it is better to refrain from taking Nurofen®. Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if:

  • You are taking other medicines containing ibuprofen, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking ibuprofen in combination with these drugs can be harmful to your health.
  • You take medication regularly. Some drugs can change how ibuprofen works.
  • You have asthma. Approximately 1 in 10 people with asthma are hypersensitive to ibuprofen. Or you have chronic diseases.​
  • You are over 65 years old.

  When should Nurofen® not be taken?

  • If, upon opening a new package, you see that the blister is damaged.
  • If you have stomach ulcers or other stomach disorders, erosive and ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, if you have kidney or heart problems.
  • If you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs.