How much ibuprofen can I take and how often?
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.
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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
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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Drug information
- Ibuprofen Information for Consumers
- Ibuprofen prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Ibuprofen (detailed)
- Ibuprofen user reviews (242)
Related support groups
- Ibuprofen (266 questions, 239 members)