What is the normal dose of ibuprofen. How does ibuprofen work. What are the side effects of taking ibuprofen. When should you contact your doctor about ibuprofen.

Understanding Ibuprofen: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking chemicals in the body that cause pain and swelling (inflammation). It is commonly used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce swelling, and control high temperatures (fevers).

Ibuprofen Dosage: How Much Should You Take?

The normal dose for an adult is 1 to 2 tablets (200mg or 400mg) every 4 to 6 hours. You can usually take up to 1,600mg in 24 hours. However, your doctor may prescribe 600mg or 800mg doses if needed. It’s important to take the smallest dose to control your symptoms for the shortest amount of time.

Different Forms of Ibuprofen: Tablets, Capsules, and More

Ibuprofen comes in a variety of forms, including tablets, caplets, capsules, granules, syrups, gels, and sprays. You can get ibuprofen on prescription from your doctor or purchase it over-the-counter at a pharmacy or other retail outlet.

When to Take Ibuprofen: For Pain, Fever, and More

When you take ibuprofen depends on why you are taking it and the amount you need to control your symptoms. You might take it as a one-off dose or take it regularly for a few days. You might also take it at the same time as other painkillers or in between taking them.

Potential Side Effects of Ibuprofen: What to Watch For

Ibuprofen can cause a range of side effects, including indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, skin rash, fatigue, and headaches. Rare side effects include difficulty sleeping, changes in vision or hearing, and severe skin reactions. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor or healthcare team immediately.

Interactions and Precautions: What You Need to Know

Ibuprofen can interact with other medications, including over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It’s important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications or medical conditions you have before taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen should also be used with caution if you have a history of stomach ulcers, asthma, or problems with your bowel, heart, kidneys, or liver.

Can ibuprofen hide a high temperature caused by chemotherapy treatment?

Yes, taking ibuprofen for pain control can mask a high temperature caused by chemotherapy treatment. It’s important to take your temperature before taking ibuprofen and contact your advice line if you have a high temperature, even after taking ibuprofen.

What should you do if you experience severe side effects from ibuprofen?

If you experience severe side effects from ibuprofen, such as severe stomach pain, bleeding, or a severe skin reaction, contact your advice line or healthcare team as soon as possible. They can help you manage the side effects and determine if you should stop taking ibuprofen.

Can ibuprofen be taken with other painkillers?

Yes, ibuprofen can be taken in combination with other painkillers, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol). However, it’s important to follow the dosage instructions and not exceed the recommended maximum daily dose of ibuprofen or the other painkiller.

What should you do if ibuprofen isn’t helping your symptoms?

If ibuprofen isn’t providing relief for your symptoms, contact your doctor or healthcare team. They may be able to adjust the dosage or recommend a different medication that may be more effective for your specific condition.

Can ibuprofen interact with other medications?

Yes, ibuprofen can interact with a variety of other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It’s important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are taking before starting ibuprofen.

How long can you safely take ibuprofen for?

Ibuprofen should be taken for the shortest amount of time necessary to control your symptoms. Long-term use of ibuprofen can increase the risk of side effects, such as stomach ulcers or kidney problems. If you need to take ibuprofen for an extended period, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor.

Ibuprofen | Cancer information | Cancer Research UK

Ibuprofen helps with pain caused by swelling. It belongs to a group of medicines called non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.

Ibuprofen can relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce swelling and control high temperatures (fevers).

How does ibuprofen work?

Ibuprofen works by blocking chemicals in the body that cause pain and swelling (inflammation).

How do you have ibuprofen?

There are many different ways of having ibuprofen. You can have it as:

• tablets or caplets
• capsules
• granules that you dissolve in water
• a syrup that you drink

You can also have it as a gel or spray to put on your skin.

You can get ibuprofen on prescription from your doctor. Or you can buy it from a pharmacy or other shops such as your local supermarket. Check with your nurse or doctor before you start taking ibuprofen if you have a history of stomach ulcers, asthma or problems with your bowel, heart, kidneys or liver. Or if you are taking aspirin or another NSAID.

You must take your medicine according to the instructions your doctor or pharmacist gives you.

You should take the right dose, no more or less.

Take ibuprofen with or after food. Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water.

When do you have ibuprofen?

When you take ibuprofen depends on why you are taking it and the amount you need to control your symptoms. You might take it as a one-off dose or take it regularly for a few days. You might take it at the same time as other painkillers or in between taking them. You take the smallest dose to control your symptoms for the shortest amount of time.

The normal dose for an adult is 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. You can usually take up to 1,600mg in 24 hours. Always check the packet to see how much ibuprofen each tablet or capsule contains. Usually they are either 200mg or 400mg. But your doctor can prescribe 600mg and 800mg doses.

Having ibuprofen for pain control can hide a high temperature caused by chemotherapy treatment. Take your temperature beforehand and if you have a high temperature contact your advice line before taking ibuprofen.

What are the side effects of ibuprofen?

How often and how severe the side effects are can vary from person to person. They can also depend on what other treatment you are having.

Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will talk to you about the possible side effects. Let them know if ibuprofen isn’t helping your symptoms or if you have side effects.

When to contact your team

Contact your advice line as soon as possible if:

• you have severe side effects
• your side effects aren’t getting any better
• your side effects are getting worse

We haven’t listed all the side effects here. Remember it is very unlikely that you will have all of these side effects, but you might have some of them at the same time.

Occasional side effects

These side effects happen in between 1 and 10 out of every 100 people (between 1 and 10%). You might have one or more of them. They include:

• indigestion
• feeling and being sick
• tummy (abdominal) pain
• passing more wind than normal (flatulence)
• constipation or diarrhoea
• black tarry stool (melaena) or blood in your sick – call your doctor straight away if this happens
• skin rash
• tiredness (fatigue)
• headaches – don’t take other painkillers to help with this. Talk to your doctor if you keep getting headaches
• dizziness

Rare side effects

This side effects happens in fewer than 1 in 100 people (fewer than 1%). You might have one or more of them. They include:

• difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (somnolence)
• feeling anxious
• burning or prickling sensation usually in the hands, arm, legs and feet
• changes in your sight or hearing
• inflammation of the inside of your nose which can cause a runny nose and sneezing (rhinitis)
• difficulty breathing and coughing
• inflammation of the stomach, or ulcer in the mouth, stomach or top part of the small bowel (duodenum)
• liver or kidney changes
• an allergic reaction – in very rare cases this can be life threatening
• a severe skin reaction that is very rare. It may start as tender red patches which leads to peeling or blistering of the skin. You might also feel feverish and your eyes may be more sensitive to light. This is serious and could be life threatening

Coping with side effects

We have more information about side effects and tips on how to cope with them.

What else do you need to know?

Other medicines, foods and drink

Ibuprofen can interact with other medicines and herbal products. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter remedies. Also let them know about any other medical conditions or allergies you may have.

Remember that many over the counter medicines contain ibuprofen, for example cold and flu remedies. Always check the packet of any other medicines you are taking to find out if they contain ibuprofen.

Pregnancy

Ibuprofen may harm a baby developing in the womb. Talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you are in the first 6 months of pregnancy.  Do not take ibuprofen if you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy.

Fertility

In women, there is some evidence that taking ibuprofen may affect your chance of becoming pregnant. This usually returns to normal when you finish taking the drug. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen if you are worried about this. 

Breastfeeding

Only small amounts of ibuprofen pass into your breast milk. So it is unlikely to cause problems for your baby. Talk to your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if you need to take any medicines while breastfeeding.

Driving or operating machinery

Don’t drive or operate machinery or tools if you have side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, sleepiness or blurred vision.

More information about this treatment

For further information about this treatment go to the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.

You can report any side effect you have to the Medicines Health and Regulatory Authority (MHRA) as part of their Yellow Card Scheme.

Last reviewed: 

19 Jan 2023

Next review due: 

19 Jan 2026

Print page

Can a 17 year old take 800 mg ibuprofen?

Generally, it is not recommended for a 17 year old to take 800 mg ibuprofen as a single dose. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain and inflammation, but it can also cause serious side effects if it is not properly used.

For this age group, the maximum recommended daily dose is 1200mg. Taking 800mg can put an individual at risk for an overdose and lead to dangerous side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, or cardiovascular events.

How to Fix Grainy Buttercream Easily

Please enable JavaScript

How to Fix Grainy Buttercream Easily

Furthermore, ibuprofen can also interact with other medications, such as blood thinners, which can lead to further side effects.

It is important to speak to a healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen to determine if it is safe to use, the appropriate dose, and review possible interactions with other medications the individual is taking.

Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics has established guideless for managing pain in this age group which includes advice on which medications and what dosages to use.

Table of Contents

What age can you take ibuprofen 800?

Generally, ibuprofen 800 should not be used in children younger than 12 years old. If a person is 12-17 years old, the dosage should not exceed 2400 mg in 24 hours. Since ibuprofen 800 contains 800 mg of ibuprofen, the maximum number of tablets that can be taken in 24 hours is three.

Furthermore, ibuprofen 800 should not be taken for more than 10 days without consulting a doctor. For people 18 and older, follow the instructions on the packaging or as prescribed by your doctor. However, it is not recommended to use ibuprofen 800 for longer than 10 days without consulting a doctor.

If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider.

Is 800 mg ibuprofen stronger than over the counter?

No, 800 mg ibuprofen is not stronger than over the counter ibuprofen. Over the counter ibuprofen typically comes in a formulation of 200 mg, which is the maximum strength that can be sold without a prescription.

Therefore, 800 mg ibuprofen is not stronger than the over the counter version; it just provides a higher dosage. Ibuprofen taken in higher doses can be more effective in treating pain and inflammation, which is why it is sometimes prescribed as a higher dosage.

It can also be more likely to cause side effects, including stomach pain and nausea, in higher doses. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen, even in the normal over the counter dosage.

How much ibuprofen can a 16 year old?

It is always important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any medications, including ibuprofen. Generally, it is recommended that a 16 year old should not take more than 2400 mg of ibuprofen in a day, divided into doses, and no more than 1200 mg at any one time.

For any 16 year old who is taking ibuprofen, it is important to closely follow the dosing instructions as provided on the package or by their healthcare professional. Furthermore, taking ibuprofen for long periods of time or too frequently can cause serious side effects.

If a 16 year old experiences any unusual symptoms while taking ibuprofen, they should consult a healthcare professional to ensure that the medication is being taken safely.

How long does ibuprofen take to kick in?

Ibuprofen typically starts to take effect between 30 minutes and 1 hour after consumption. However, the full effects may not be felt until 2 to 4 hours later. In some cases, it may take up to 6 hours for ibuprofen to reach its peak effect.

The length of time for ibuprofen to kick in varies depending on several factors, including the dose that is taken and how it is administered (e. g. orally or topically). Additionally, the effectiveness of ibuprofen may vary from person to person.

How old do you have to be to buy ibuprofen?

In the United States, the legal age to purchase ibuprofen without a prescription is 18. This is true for most over-the-counter medications that contain ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is used to reduce fever and relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness due to a variety of conditions.

In some states, depending on the strength of the ibuprofen, those under 18 may need to be with a parent or guardian to purchase ibuprofen. Other medications and products, such as cold and flu relief, may contain ibuprofen, so check the label first when purchasing.

It is important to always follow the directions on the label and to speak with a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure how much to take.

Can you cut 800 mg ibuprofen in half?

Yes, you can cut an 800 mg ibuprofen tablet in half. Generally, ibuprofen is available in tablets of 200, 400, or 800 mg. It’s usually safe to cut most tablets in half with a pill cutter, as long as they are not enteric coated or extended-release.

This will provide two equal doses, each containing 400 mg of the drug. Make sure to read the label on the medication to be sure it can be cut safely in half. Also, before cutting, wash your hands with soap and water and use a clean, dry cutting surface.

If you don’t have a pill cutter tool, use regular kitchen scissors or a knife. Be very careful and take your time as you cut so you don’t injure yourself. After cutting the pill, take both halves as soon as possible and with a full glass of water.

Do not store the halved pill for later use.

What happens if you give a child too much ibuprofen?

Giving a child too much ibuprofen can be very dangerous to their health and can cause serious side effects. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug used to decrease inflammation, reduce fever, and relieve pain.

Although safe when taken as recommended, too much ibuprofen can have serious, even fatal, consequences. The most common side effect of ibuprofen overdosage is gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Other reported symptoms are headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and irritability. Severe overdose can result in kidney damage, a decreased level of consciousness, seizures, coma, and even death.

If a child accidentally ingests too much ibuprofen, or if you are concerned they have taken too much, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

How many ibuprofen can you take until overdose?

The dosage amount and frequency of ibuprofen is dependent on the individual user, but the general rule of thumb is to not exceed 800 mg of ibuprofen in one dose, or 3200 mg over a 24-hour period. That being said, an overdose of ibuprofen can happen at any dosage level, depending on the individual’s medical history and other medications being taken.

For example, people with a history of long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may be at more risk for an overdose, as well as people with poor kidney and liver function.

It is important to note that ibuprofen is not meant to be used as a long-term pain reliever and should not be taken more often than directed on the product package. If you are in need of a prolonged treatment, you should talk to your doctor.

Taking too much ibuprofen can lead to serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers and liver damage. In addition, an overdose of ibuprofen can cause confusion, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and kidney failure.

If you suspect you have taken too much ibuprofen, seek medical attention immediately.

How many ibuprofen is too much ibuprofen?

It is not recommended to take more than 1200 mg of ibuprofen per day. This means that taking more than six 200 mg tablets per day is too much ibuprofen. Taking this high of a dose carries risks, including damage to the digestive system and organ damage.

Of course, some people may require larger doses if they are younger than 12, weigh less than 50 kilograms, or have a severe condition that requires it. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor who can determine the proper dosage.

Taking too much ibuprofen can also lead to serious side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, heartburn, dizziness, fatigue, and even bleeding in the stomach. Additionally, taking too much ibuprofen has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Because of this, it is important to use ibuprofen only when recommended by a doctor, and to always take the lowest dose and shortest duration necessary.

Does ibuprofen make you sleepy?

No, ibuprofen does not make you sleepy. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever and fever reducer. It is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain or inflammation associated with headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, or injury.

While ibuprofen is effective in reducing pain, it does not make you sleepy. In fact, ibuprofen can even act as a stimulant and provide a sense of alertness. In some cases, ibuprofen can cause drowsiness as a side effect, but this is not a common occurrence.

If you experience drowsiness after taking ibuprofen, it is likely due to the condition being treated, such as fatigue or the presence of another medication, rather than the ibuprofen itself. If you are feeling drowsy after taking ibuprofen, it is important to speak to a doctor before continuing or discontinuing use of the medication.

How many hours does 3 ibuprofen last?

The recommended dosage for ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is 200 mg to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 1200 mg in a 24-hour period. Therefore, depending on the dosage, it may last betweenty four to thirty six hours.

As a general rule of thumb, ibuprofen should not be taken for more than 10 days without talking to your doctor, unless otherwise instructed. It is important to read and follow the instructions on the label of the ibuprofen carefully; it is best to start with the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.

How does ibuprofen know where pain is?

Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and it works by reducing hormones that cause pain, inflammation, and fever in the body. It does this by blocking enzymes in the body called cyclooxygenases (COXs), which produce the hormones that lead to pain and inflammation.

While ibuprofen does not “know” where the pain is, the reason why it is an effective pain reliever is because it can target and effect your entire body. Ibuprofen’s effects are felt all over the body, which is why it can help reduce pain and inflammation no matter what the cause is or where the pain is located.

Additionally, ibuprofen can also be used as a temporary fever reducer because it can reduce hormones that cause fever—again, without it actually knowing where the fever is coming from.

Who shouldn’t take ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a popular over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, but it does come with risks. Those who shouldn’t take ibuprofen include people with a history of asthma, intestinal or stomach problems (ulcers, bleeding, or a history of perforation of the gastrointestinal tract), kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure.

It is also not advised for pregnant women, as it can increase the risk of complications. In addition, anyone who is taking aspirin daily or has taken a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) within the last few days should not take ibuprofen.

Finally, ibuprofen should not be taken if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID. If you are unsure if ibuprofen is right for you, consult your healthcare provider.

How many pills is too much?

Generally speaking, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and take the exact dosage that has been prescribed. Taking more than the recommended dose can be dangerous and can lead to serious health complications and side effects.

It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure if you are taking too many pills. If a prescribed dosage is not working for you, it is also important to contact your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations.

In cases of over-the-counter medications, it is important to read the package instructions before taking them, since some medications may not be safe to take in large amounts. In any case, it is always best to consult a medical professional before taking any medication.

Comparison of ibuprofen 400 mg and 800 mg for acute pain.

WHAT’S NEW?

Both 400 mg and 800 mg intravenous ibuprofen provide effective and safe analgesia when administered proactively during the perioperative phase of abdominal and orthopedic surgery.

In a phase III randomized clinical trial, intravenous ibuprofen 400 mg and 800 mg significantly reduced pain scores at rest and during movement on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and area under the curve (AUC) VAS compared with placebo on the 1st and 2nd postoperative days, as well as taking morphine in patients undergoing abdominal and orthopedic operations. In a study by Hong-Su Zhou et al. evaluated the analgesic efficacy and safety of different doses of intravenous ibuprofen in the treatment of acute postoperative pain.

After orthopedic or abdominal surgery, patients using a patient-controlled intravenous analgesia device were randomly assigned to ibuprofen 800 mg IV, ibuprofen 400 mg IV, or placebo. The first dose of study drugs was administered intravenously 30 minutes before surgery, followed by 8 doses administered at six-hour intervals. Demographics, treatment information, cumulative morphine use, VAS, VAS AUC, patient satisfaction score (PSS), treatment failure rate (RTF), adverse events, and serious adverse events were recorded throughout the study.

In this multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, the sample for complete analysis included 345 people, of which 326 were the valid sample. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, and medical history did not differ significantly between groups. Compared with the placebo group, the total amount of morphine taken within 24 hours after surgery was lower in the ibuprofen 400 mg and 800 mg groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the 400 mg and 800 mg ibuprofen groups (see Table 1).

In the placebo group, VAS and AUC VAS scores at rest and on movement within 24 hours after surgery were statistically significantly higher compared with the ibuprofen 400 mg and 800 mg groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the 400 mg and 800 mg ibuprofen groups. In the placebo group, the rate of treatment failure was slightly higher compared to the other two groups, but this difference was not clinically significant.

Patient satisfaction scores with pain relief were higher in the ibuprofen 400 mg and 800 mg groups than in the placebo group; however, there were no statistically significant differences between the ibuprofen 400 mg and 800 mg groups for this parameter. The three groups did not differ in RTF or adverse events. Thus, in patients who are indicated for abdominal and orthopedic surgery, intermittent intravenous administration of ibuprofen at a dose of 400 mg or 800 mg within 24 hours after surgery reduces morphine intake and relieves pain without increasing the frequency of adverse events.