Quick Answer
The recommended maximum daily dose of Advil (ibuprofen) is 1200 mg per day for adults and teenagers. For a 200 mg tablet, this equals 6 tablets in a 24 hour period. It’s important not to exceed this amount to avoid potential side effects. Speak to your doctor if you need to take Advil regularly or in higher doses.
What is Advil?
Advil is a common over-the-counter pain medication that contains the active ingredient ibuprofen. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, substances in the body that promote pain, fever and inflammation.
Some key facts about Advil:
– Advil comes in several strengths, with 200 mg being a commonly used dosage per tablet.
– Other common strengths include 400 mg and 800 mg tablets.
– It’s used to temporarily relieve pain and reduce fever. Common uses include headaches, muscle aches, backache, menstrual cramps, the common cold, arthritis pain, toothache.
– Advil begins working within 30 minutes with effects lasting 4-6 hours.
– Available as regular, liqui-gels, tablets, caplets, gel caps and paediatric suspensions.
– Sold as the generic ibuprofen or under brand names like Advil, Motrin, Nurofen.
How does Advil work?
Advil contains the active ingredient ibuprofen, which belongs to the NSAID class of medications. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the body.
Prostaglandins are lipid compounds produced by cells that have a variety of effects, including:
– Promoting inflammation, pain and fever.
– Protecting the stomach lining from damage.
– Supporting blood clotting.
By reducing prostaglandins, ibuprofen in Advil can:
– Decrease inflammation, pain and fever.
– Interfere with blood clotting.
– Potentially cause stomach irritation.
The pain-relieving effects begin within 30 minutes and peak around 1-2 hours. Effects last for 4-6 hours.
Maximum daily dose
The recommended maximum daily dose of ibuprofen in adults and children over 12 years is:
– 1200 mg per day for oral dosing. This equates to 6 x 200 mg tablets of Advil.
– 40 mg/kg bodyweight per day for intravenous dosing.
Higher doses increase the risk of serious side effects without added benefit.
For children under 12, dosing is based on body weight:
– 10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours with a maximum of 40 mg/kg per day.
Always verify dosing with your pediatrician. Do not exceed adult dosing.
| Age | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|
| Adults and children 12+ years | 1200 mg (6 x 200 mg tablets) |
| Children under 12 years | 10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours (Max 40 mg/kg/day) |
When to avoid Advil
You should avoid taking Advil if you have:
– Allergy or hypersensitivity to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.
– Active stomach ulcer or bleeding disorders.
– Severe kidney or liver disease.
– Taking anticoagulants like warfarin.
– Last trimester of pregnancy.
Advil should be used with caution if you have risk factors like ulcer disease, heart failure, high blood pressure or diabetes.
Seek medical advice before taking Advil if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or giving it to a child under 6 months old.
Side effects
Advil is generally well tolerated when used occasionally and in recommended dosages. Side effects may include:
– Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
– Drowsiness, dizziness, headache.
– Heartburn, stomach pain, gas.
– High blood pressure, fluid retention.
– Skin rashes and itching.
More severe side effects are possible with high doses exceeding maximum daily limits or prolonged use:
– Stomach ulcers or bleeding.
– Kidney problems.
– Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Discontinue use if severe side effects develop. Seek medical help if you experience signs of stomach bleeding, liver problems or allergic reaction.
Interactions
The following drugs may interact with Advil:
– Blood thinners like warfarin – increased bleeding risk.
– Antihypertensives like lisinopril – reduced efficacy.
– Diuretics – decreased diuretic effect.
– Methotrexate – increased methotrexate levels.
– Cyclosporine – increased cyclosporine concentrations.
– Lithium – increased lithium levels.
– Oral diabetes medications – fluctuations in glucose control.
Avoid taking Advil within 8-12 hours of another NSAID, including aspirin. Combining NSAIDs increases side effect risk.
Always discuss your medications with your pharmacist and doctor to minimize interactions.
Precautions
To use Advil safely:
– Take with food to reduce stomach upset.
– Avoid excessive alcohol intake, which can worsen side effects.
– Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
– Don’t use for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without consulting your doctor.
– Measure liquid suspensions carefully using the dosing device provided.
– Don’t take more than directed or combine with other NSAID medications.
– Discontinue use if side effects develop.
– Avoid use 2 weeks before or after heart surgery.
– Don’t use if you have late pregnancy, bleeding disorders, active ulcers or liver disease.
When to seek medical help
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
– Signs of an allergic reaction like rash, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
– Black, bloody or tarry stools.
– Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds.
– Severe stomach pain, heartburn or nausea.
– Chest pain or shortness of breath.
– Swelling of the hands, legs or feet.
– Yellow skin or eyes, itching or flu-like symptoms.
– Skin reddening, blistering or peeling.
– Vision problems, slurred speech or one-sided weakness.
Conclusion
The recommended maximum daily dose of Advil (ibuprofen 200mg) is 1200mg per day for adults and teens. This equates to 6 tablets over a 24 hour period. Exceeding this dosage or using Advil long-term can increase your risk of serious gastrointestinal, kidney, cardiovascular and other adverse effects. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed. Consult your doctor if you need to use Advil regularly or experience any concerning symptoms with its use. Following dosage guidelines, precautions and drug interactions will help ensure Advil is used safely and effectively.