How to Take Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be taken to reduce pain, fever, and/or inflammation, making it a useful over-the-counter medication. To stay safe while taking ibuprofen, double-check that you’re choosing the right amount. You should also be sure you’re administering it properly to young children under 12.[1] Avoid ibuprofen if you’re pregnant, have heart or liver disease, or are allergic to NSAIDs.[2] If you’re on other meds, talk to your doctor before choosing this pain reliever.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Taking Ibuprofen When You’re 12 or Older

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    Read the manufacturer’s label to double-check the dosage. Every bottle or package that your ibuprofen comes in contains specific instructions on how much you can take within a 24-hour time period. It’s a good idea to review this information before taking the medication.[3]
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    Take ibuprofen with food or milk to avoid indigestion. Unless you have a sensitivity to this type of drug, ibuprofen generally doesn’t have any side effects. The most common side effects are mild to moderate heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, or indigestion, which can all usually be avoided if you don’t take the drug on an empty stomach.[4]
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    Take the lowest effective dose. Start by taking 200-400 mg for pain relief up to 3-4 times per day if you’re an adult or up to 1200 mg a day as needed.[5] For adults, ibuprofen can be taken to get relief from headaches, mild injuries or swelling, period symptoms, and fevers. The dosage is standardized (rather than weight-based) for adults, and you can find ibuprofen at your local pharmacy, the grocery store, or major retailers.[6]
    • Do not take more than 1200 mg per day for general pain or fever. Most (though not all) ibuprofen tablets come in 200 mg doses, which means you shouldn’t take more than 6 over the course of 1 day. Check your packaging to find the precise dosage per tablet.[7]
    • The maximum amount of ibuprofen you can take as an adult is 800 mg per dose or 3,400 mg per day, but you should only take these amounts if it’s prescribed by your healthcare provider.
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    Take an ibuprofen tablet by mouth. This is the most common form of ibuprofen for adults and children over 12. It should be the easiest to find, and it may be less expensive than other options.
    • Ibuprofen also comes in tablets that will melt on your tongue or granules that can be dissolved in water. These options are usually fruit-flavored, and they should be available at your local pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist if you have trouble locating them in the store.
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    Expect a higher dosage if you’re taking ibuprofen to treat arthritis. Some doctors may prescribe ibuprofen to relieve the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. In these cases, you’ll likely be taking 1200-3200 mg per day in divided doses. Do not take this amount of ibuprofen without talking to your doctor.[8]
    • If your doctor puts you on the maximum dosage of ibuprofen (3200 mg/day), they will likely try to slowly decrease this dosage over time.
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    Discuss sustained-release tablets with your doctor for chronic pain. Some ibuprofen is designed to affect your body slowly over the course of the day. If you need this type of medication, your doctor will likely prescribe you a swallowable tablet that you take once or twice per day. Doses should be separated by at least 10 to 12 hours.
    • If you take sustained-release ibuprofen just once per day, it’ll probably be recommended that you do so at night.
    • Sustained-release ibuprofen is often used in combination with other pain-management medications. Be sure to read the directions on your medication fully before taking it.
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    Pick ibuprofen gel, mousse, or spray to relieve pain in a targeted area. This form of ibuprofen can be used on muscle or joint injuries or to reduce swelling in a particular spot on your body. It can also alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. Massage the recommended amount of gel, mousse, or spray directly onto the skin of the affected spot. Do not place a bandage over the medication.[9]
    • Check the packaging for precise dosage recommendations.
    • This form of ibuprofen should not be used by children under 12.
    • Wash your hands before and after you apply the medication.
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    Call emergency services if you take more than is recommended. It is possible to experience an overdose of ibuprofen. This occurs when you take more than the dosage that’s recommended by your doctor and/or the manufacturer. Symptoms of overdose can include blurred vision, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, a severe headache, and/or confusion. Get medical care as quickly as possible if you experience these symptoms. If you cannot remember when you dosed yourself or how much you’ve taken, contact emergency services.[10]
    • Most ibuprofen overdoses occur when the person is tired or mentally foggy, such as after surgery or an accident. If you are not functioning at your normal level, write down each time you take a pain pill so you have a record of what you’ve ingested.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Giving Ibuprofen to Children under 12

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    Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 3 months old. These smaller infants aren’t ready for ibuprofen. If your baby has a high fever that needs to be treated, call your pediatrician immediately.[11]
    • If your baby’s fever is 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) or higher, call your doctor or visit an emergency clinic.[12]
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    Determine the dosage for infants and children under 12 with your doctor. Call your doctor if your child has a fever or bump you’d like to treat with this medication. For children under 12, the proper dosage depends on the child’s weight. This is why it’s best to talk to a doctor before giving your little one ibuprofen.[13]
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    Provide children with a sweet-tasting ibuprofen syrup. Children under 12 are given the liquid form of ibuprofen, also known as “oral suspension ibuprofen.” This syrup usually comes in fruit flavors that may make children more willing to take it without fussing or complaining.[14]
    • Since this syrup tastes sugary, children may actually want to take it! This can be dangerous, especially for younger children who don’t understand why they can’t slurp up the whole bottle. Keep all medication, including ibuprofen, in a cabinet with a child-safe lock on it.
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    Give ibuprofen after a meal to avoid an upset tummy. As with adults, the most common side effects children may experience when taking ibuprofen are mild to moderate heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, or indigestion. If your child doesn’t take the medicine on an empty stomach, these can usually be avoided.[15]
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    Call emergency services if your child has a bad reaction. It’s rare that your child will be allergic to ibuprofen, but it could happen. Watch for skin rashes, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling in their face, lips, and/or tongue.[16] You should also go to the emergency room if you believe your child has consumed more than the recommended amount of ibuprofen. Call your doctor on the way.
    • Mark the bottle of ibuprofen each time you administer the medication using a permanent marker. This way, if the bottle is emptier than it should be, you will know you have a problem. Always keep medications out of the reach of young children.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Knowing When to Avoid Ibuprofen

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    Talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you’re on other meds. There are lots of medications that could react badly with ibuprofen. If you take one of these drugs with ibuprofen, you may experience uncomfortable or even dangerous side effects. It’s especially important that you talk to your doctor before choosing ibuprofen if you’re taking anti-depressants, another NSAID, diuretics, or ciclosporin (used to treat autoimmune conditions).[17]
    • This isn’t a full list of all the medications that may have unpredictable results when taken in combination with ibuprofen. Any time you go on a new medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist which other drugs (including ibuprofen) it can be taken with safely.[18]
    • If you’re currently on prescription medication and you’re unsure whether it can be taken with ibuprofen, call your doctor or pharmacist to double-check.
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    Skip the ibuprofen if you have a history of hypersensitivity to it. Some people may experience hives or itchy skin, a runny nose, red eyes, swelling in their lips, face, or tongue, and/or coughing or difficulty breathing when they take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.[19] If this happens to you, tell your doctor! They’ll provide you with information about safe alternatives you can take.[20]
    • For example, you may be able to take Tylenol and other acetaminophens.
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    Avoid NSAIDs if you are pregnant or trying. It’s best to avoid these types of medications during pregnancy unless your doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the risks.[21] Your OB/GYN can recommend safe alternatives for pain relief and fever (such as Tylenol).[22]
    • It’s also best to avoid ibuprofen when breastfeeding.
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    Don’t take ibuprofen if you have heart or liver disease. Processing the recommended amount of ibuprofen and getting it through your body’s systems doesn’t strain healthy organs, but it can be too much for people with certain medical conditions. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure whether you can safely take ibuprofen.[23]
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    Use caution if you have asthma, Crohn’s disease, or heart problems. Your doctor is your best source of information if you have one of these conditions. They can tell you what’s safe for you and what’s likely to cause you harm. Ask them about alternatives if they recommend that you not take ibuprofen.[24]
    • You should also talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you’re over 65 or have high blood sugar, lupus, or a history of ulcers or ulcerative colitis.[25]
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What snack can I take with ibuprofen?
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    Ideally, you should eat before taking ibuprofen and avoid taking it on an empty stomach. Some studies show that eating protein-rich food or having some milk before taking ibuprofen can help to ease stomach discomfort.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-children/
  2. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/medicines-and-medical-aids/types-of-medicine/ibuprofen
  3. ↑ https://patient.info/medicine/ibuprofen-for-pain-and-inflammation-brufen-calprofen-nurofen
  4. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/how-and-when-to-take-ibuprofen/
  5. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/how-and-when-to-take-ibuprofen/
  6. ↑ https://patient.info/medicine/ibuprofen-for-pain-and-inflammation-brufen-calprofen-nurofen
  7. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/medicines-and-medical-aids/types-of-medicine/ibuprofen
  8. ↑ https://www.arthritis.org/drug-guide/nsaids/ibuprofen
  9. ↑ https://patient.info/medicine/ibuprofen-gel-for-pain-relief
  1. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002655.htm
  2. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/ibuprofen.html
  3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000319.htm
  4. ↑ https://patient.info/medicine/ibuprofen-for-pain-and-inflammation-brufen-calprofen-nurofen
  5. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Ibuprofen-for-Fever-and-Pain.aspx
  6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000772.htm
  7. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-children/side-effects-of-ibuprofen-for-children/
  8. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/taking-ibuprofen-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/
  9. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/taking-ibuprofen-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/
  10. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/ibuprofen-drug-facts-label
  11. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Painkillers-ibuprofen/Pages/Introduction.aspx
  12. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-recommends-avoiding-use-nsaids-pregnancy-20-weeks-or-later-because-they-can-result-low-amniotic
  13. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-a-common-pain-reliever-safe-during-pregnancy-202110292627
  14. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/who-can-and-cannot-take-ibuprofen/
  15. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/who-can-and-cannot-take-ibuprofen/
  16. ↑ https://patient.info/medicine/ibuprofen-for-pain-and-inflammation-advil-brufen-calprofen-nurofen#nav-1
  17. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002655.htm

About This Article

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Medically reviewed by:
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 26,582 times.
21 votes - 81%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: July 20, 2022
Views: 26,582
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