Ibuprofen Dosage

by on June 4, 2012

Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medicine that has an anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and temperature-reducing effect. It is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Ibuprofen works by changing the response of the body to pain and inflammation, alleviating in this way the symptoms of various conditions, such as common cold and flu, headache, migraine, toothache, neuralgia, back pain, rheumatic and muscle pains, menstrual cramps.

Ibuprofen comes in a great variety of forms, such as tablets, effervescent tablets, capsules, suppositories, oral suspensions for children, syrups. There are also extended-release forms. Ibuprofen is included in a lot of topical gels and creams used for the treatment of muscle pain.

The variety of brand names is enormous. Among them are Advil, Calodolor, Nurofen, Motrin etc.

The dose in a single tablet varies between 200 and 800mg.

Dosage for adults and children over 12 years old

The initial dosage is one tablet (200 mg). Then a patient can take one tablet every 4 hours if needed. In case the effect is not sufficient, patients can take 2 tablets (400 mg) instead of one.  The maximum dose per day is 1200 mg.

Make sure that there is at least 4 hour interval between the doses. You can take higher doses of ibuprofen only if they have been prescribed to you by a doctor.

Senior dose: There is no need for dose adjustment.

Children under 12 years old: Ibuprofen should not be administered to children younger than 12 years old unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Ibuprofen is not meant for continuous treatment. So in case you need to take the product for more than 4 days or your symptoms do not improve or even they worsen, consult your physician.

Always take Ibuprofen the way your doctor has instructed you. If you have any doubts, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.


Ibuprofen is associated with a slightly higher risk of heart attack or stroke when taken for longer periods or in a high dose. If you have any heart problems, you have had a stroke or you have some risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, higher levels of cholesterol and you are a smoker, consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen. Inform your doctor if you are prone to bleeding or you have to undergo a surgery.

Do not use ibuprofen if:

  • You are allergic to it, to aspirin or to any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or if you have had symptoms of asthma, shortness of breath or skin reactions when taking other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin.
  • You are pregnant, especially in the third trimester
  • You have had a stomach or duodenal ulcer
  • You have experienced any gastrointestinal bleeding, especially connected with the administering of any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • You have acute kidney, liver or heart failure

Always consult a physician before taking ibuprofen in case you have asthma, systematic lupus erythematosus or other connective tissue diseases, kidney, heart or liver dysfunction.