How much ibuprofen can I take and how often?
Adults can safely take ibuprofen 200 mg to 400 mg (one or two tablets) every 4-6 hours as needed for pain relief. The maximum dose in 24 hours for over-the-counter ibuprofen is 1200 mg (6 tablets of 200 mg each).
Ibuprofen is also available on a prescription from a doctor and may be prescribed at a higher strength (600 mg or 800 mg every 6 hours) for severe pain. If you are taking ibuprofen under doctor supervision, then the maximum dose in 24 hours is 3200 mg.
You should always try and take the smallest dose needed that gives you relief.
Safe Ibuprofen Dosing Schedule:
- Standard dose: 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours
- Maximum frequency: Every 4 hours
- Daily limit (OTC): 1200 mg maximum
- Daily limit (Prescription): Up to 3200 mg under medical supervision.
Ibuprofen Timing Guidelines:
- Minimum interval: 4 hours between doses
- Recommended interval: 6 hours for regular use
- With food: Taking ibuprofen with food may reduce stomach irritation
- Duration: Use for the shortest time needed.
FAQs about Ibuprofen
How often can you take ibuprofen?
You can take ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours for pain and inflammation relief. Never take ibuprofen more frequently than every 4 hours because taking ibuprofen too often increases the risk of side effects.
How much ibuprofen is in a single dose?
A single dose of ibuprofen that has been brought over-the-counter (OTC) usually contains 200 mg. Extra strength OTC ibuprofen tablets usually contain 400 mg.
Some prescription strengths of ibuprofen contain an even higher dose, such as 600 mg or 800 mg. Always check the label on the packet to make sure you know what strength your ibuprofen tablet is.
How much ibuprofen can you take in a day?
You should not take more than 6 tablets (1200mg) in 1 day if you are not under the supervision of a doctor and you have brought your ibuprofen over the counter, from a supermarket or drug store.
If your doctor has prescribed ibuprofen for you on prescription, usually as a 600 mg or 800 mg dose, then you can take a maximum of 3200 mg in one day.
Always try and take the smallest dose needed that gives you relief.
How much ibuprofen is too much?
More than 3200 mg total of ibuprofen in 24 hours is considered an overdose and can cause serious health complications. Dosages this high put you at risk for bleeding, kidney failure, or adverse cardiovascular events.
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How long does ibuprofen take to work?
Ibuprofen typically provides pain relief within 20 to 30 minutes, with peak effects at 1 to 2 hours.
Can you take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?
Smaller dosages of ibuprofen are usually OK to take on an empty stomach but larger dosages (more than 400 mg) should be taken with food to reduce stomach irritation and ulcer risk. Drink a glass of water after taking ibuprofen to ensure it makes it into your stomach and doesn't stick in your esophagus.
What are overdose symptoms of ibuprofen?
Symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose may include:
- Stomach problems: Heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcers
- Gastrointestinal bleeding: Blood in vomit or stool
- Neurological symptoms: Dizziness, confusion, seizures
- Kidney problems: Decreased urination, swelling
- Blood clotting issues: Increased bleeding time
- Body wide problems: Metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood), causing symptoms such as an increased heartbeat, confusion, and fatigue.
If you suspect an ibuprofen overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Emergency treatment is most effective when administered quickly.
Who should avoid ibuprofen?
You should not take ibuprofen if you have:
- A history of stomach ulcers: Increased bleeding risk
- Kidney disease: Can worsen kidney function
- Heart conditions: May increase cardiovascular risks
- Pregnant women: Especially in the third trimester
- Blood thinners: Increased bleeding risk.
What drugs does ibuprofen interact with?
The most common interactions with ibuprofen are:
- Warfarin and other blood thinners: Increased bleeding risk
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs: Reduced effectiveness. The combination of ACE inhibitors or ARBs with diuretics and ibuprofen may particularly affect kidney function
- Diuretics: Kidney function concerns
- Aspirin or other NSAIDs: Increased stomach bleeding risk
- Prednisone: Increased stomach bleeding risk
- SSRI antidepressants: Increased stomach bleeding risk
- Methotrexate: May increase blood levels and side effects of methotrexate
- Lithium: May increase blood levels and side effects of methotrexate
- Cyclosporine: May cause kidney damage.
This is not a complete list of interactions. See Ibuprofen drug interactions for more information.
References
- Ibuprofen. 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
Read next
Can you take expired ibuprofen?
Although taking expired ibuprofen is not recommended by the manufacturer, the actual shelf-life is likely to be longer than that indicated by the expiry date, with FDA testing showing many drugs are active for years beyond their expiry date, although specific data on ibuprofen is not available. Within reason, an ibuprofen tablet that is a few months past its expiry date is probably safe to take. Ibuprofen that is years past its expiry date should not be taken. Continue reading
What's the difference between aspirin and ibuprofen?
Even though aspirin and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and work similarly, there are several differences between the two drugs and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading
Can you overdose on ibuprofen?
Despite ibuprofen having a wide safety margin, it is possible to overdose on it, but death from ibuprofen overdose is rare. Children are more susceptible to the effects of ibuprofen and likely to experience an overdosage of ibuprofen if dosages of more than 400mg/kg (in the range of 8000mg for a 20kg child [the equivalent of 40 x 200mg ibuprofen tablets]) are ingested. Studies have reported patients ingesting less than 99 mg/kg are unlikely to have symptoms. Continue reading
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