Ibuprofen Dosage: How Much Ibuprofen Can I Take

Ibuprofen is a medication that’s widely used to relieve pain. As the active ingredient in Advil, it provides effective relief for a variety of conditions, from headaches and muscle aches to cold, flu and sinus symptoms. If you’ve been wondering “How much ibuprofen should I take?” - you’ve come to the right place. Learn about ibuprofen dosage and how physical factors can impact effectiveness.

How much ibuprofen can I take?

The amount of ibuprofen that you can take in a day depends on the strength of the medicine and what you’re taking it for.⁵ Adults treating menstrual cramps or mild aches and pain can take 400mg every 4-6 hours as needed.⁵ However, adults and teens who are treating rheumatoid or osteoarthritis may be directed by their healthcare provider to take 1200mg up to 3200mg per day, divided into three or four equal doses.⁵ Where children are concerned, the ibuprofen dose is often determined by age or body weight when treating pain or fever.⁵ Follow the directions of your healthcare provider to ensure you’re taking the right amount for what you need and that you’re not taking too much. For OTC ibuprofen products for children and adults, always follow the dosing directions in the Drug Facts label box on the product packaging.

Many Advil products contain 200 mg doses of ibuprofen. However, studies have shown that a prescribed dose 400 mg of ibuprofen up to three times per day had the same pain-relief effects as the larger dose—while avoiding the potential for side effects like stomach irritation or ulcers.⁴

Factors that influence ibuprofen dosage

Certain physical factors can impact the size and effectiveness of ibuprofen dosages, including:

• Age and weight: These variables can affect how a patient’s body metabolizes and responds to a drug.¹ Age-related changes in metabolism and organ function play a vital role in how dosage recommendations are set.¹
• Current conditions: Adjusting ibuprofen dosage can benefit individuals with existing or chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.¹ People with a history of conditions such as stomach ulcers, kidney or liver disease, or high blood pressure should speak to their doctor before starting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.²
• Pregnancy: Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health professional before using ibuprofen.² All analgesics, including acetaminophen and NSAIDs like ibuprofen should be discussed with your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Drug interactions: If a person is taking existing medications for health conditions, there is the potential for drug interactions.¹ Keep a list of both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications currently being used and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.²

Understanding the recommended ibuprofen dosage

Advil offers a variety of ibuprofen-based products tailored for different needs. The recommended dosages for adults and children 12 years and over will be listed on the packaging, on a product insert, directly on the bottle or all three. Advil recommends not taking more than directed, and the smallest effective dose should be used.

For children under 12 years, it’s recommended to ask a doctor or pediatrician if you have questions about specific dosages related to a child’s age, weight and existing health conditions. They may recommend Children’s Advil, with specially formulated dosages for children ages 2-11.

Following the recommended ibuprofen dosage helps maximize its benefits while minimizing the risk of side effects. Be sure to check the label on Advil products before taking the product and consult a healthcare professional if you’re on existing medication. Find the right Advil for your needs, whether you’re looking for pain relief, targeted relief or a comfortable night’s sleep.