Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation. It comes in various strengths, with 200mg being a typical adult dose. When used correctly, ibuprofen is generally safe. However, taking too much can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Quick Answers
The general recommended maximum daily dose of ibuprofen is:
- Adults: 1200 mg per day, taken in doses of 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
- Children aged 12-17: 800 mg per day, taken in doses of 200 mg every 6-8 hours as needed.
- Children under 12: 10 mg per kg of body weight per day, taken in doses of 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours as needed (maximum 400 mg per dose).
However, lower doses may be recommended for certain individuals or conditions. It’s important not to exceed the stated dose or take ibuprofen for more than a few days without consulting a doctor.
How Ibuprofen Works
Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins – chemicals in the body that promote pain, fever, and inflammation.
At the correct doses, this provides effective relief for minor aches and pains, headaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps, backaches, toothaches, and injuries like sprains and strains. It can also temporarily reduce fever and bring down inflammation related to various conditions.
Recommended Dosage
The maximum daily dose depends on a person’s age and health status:
Adults
The generally recommended maximum dosage for adults is 1200 mg of ibuprofen per day. This can be taken as:
- 1 200 mg tablet every 4-6 hours
- 2 200 mg tablets every 6-8 hours
- 3 200 mg tablets every 8 hours
Doses should be spaced out evenly over the course of the day and taken with food. Taking more than 1200 mg in 24 hours increases the risk of side effects.
Children aged 12-17
For children aged 12-17, the maximum daily dose is 800 mg taken as:
- 1 200 mg tablet every 6-8 hours
- 2 200 mg tablets every 8 hours
Children under 12
The recommended dosage for children under 12 years is 10 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into doses taken every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Typical dosing is:
- Ages 6-9: 200 mg every 6-8 hours (maximum 400 mg per dose)
- Ages 2-5: 100 mg every 6-8 hours
- Under 2: Consult a doctor
When to Take Lower Doses
Lower maximum doses may be recommended for certain individuals or conditions including:
- People over 65 years – maximum 600 mg per day
- People with kidney problems – maximum 600 mg per day
- People with liver problems – maximum 600 mg per day
- People with digestive problems like ulcers or reflux – maximum 600 mg per day
- Pregnant women – maximum 600 mg per day
- High blood pressure or heart disease – maximum 800 mg per day
- To treat gout attacks – maximum 800 mg per day
- People taking blood thinners – consult a doctor
Children recovering from chickenpox or flu should avoid ibuprofen unless specifically recommended by a doctor.
Exceeding the Recommended Dosage
Exceeding the maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen increases the risk of adverse effects and overdose. Signs of ibuprofen overdose include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness, headache, ringing in the ears
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Mental confusion, anxiety, sleepiness
- Fluid retention and swelling
- Jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes)
- Seizures
Overdose symptoms may take 4-6 hours to develop. Immediately seek medical attention if you suspect an ibuprofen overdose.
Long-Term Use Concerns
Ibuprofen should only be used for short periods of up to 10 days unless advised by a doctor. Long-term regular use can increase the risk of:
- Cardiovascular problems like stroke and heart attack
- Kidney damage
- Ulcers and bleeding in the digestive tract
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Fluid retention
- Electrolyte imbalances
Maximum duration of treatment should be:
- 10 days for pain/fever
- 3 days for gout
- 5 days for migraines
Children and teenagers should avoid long-term use due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome – a rare but life-threatening condition.
Interactions With Other Medications
Ibuprofen can interact with several prescription medications. It’s important to discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor before starting ibuprofen. Key interactions include:
Blood Thinners
Ibuprofen enhances the blood-thinning effect of medications like warfarin and aspirin, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding or bruising.
Antihypertensives
Ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications like lisinopril, losartan, and amlodipine.
Diuretics
Ibuprofen combined with diuretics like furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide can risk kidney damage and low potassium levels.
Corticosteroids
Using ibuprofen with corticosteroid drugs like prednisone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.
Methotrexate
Ibuprofen increases methotrexate levels in the body, raising the risk of toxic side effects.
Lithium
Ibuprofen can cause lithium to accumulate to toxic levels, causing side effects like shaking, nausea, and confusion.
ACE Inhibitors
Ibuprofen combined with ACE inhibitors like lisinopril and benazepril can decrease their effectiveness and increase potassium levels.
Factors that Increase Risk
Certain individuals may be at higher risk for ibuprofen side effects even at recommended doses. Use caution and consult a doctor if you have:
- Digestive conditions – ulcers, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease
- Liver disease – cirrhosis, hepatitis
- Kidney disease
- Congestive heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Asthma
- Autoimmune disorders – lupus, rheumatoid arthritis
- Bleeding disorders
- History of stroke or heart attack
- Smokers or people over 65 – increased cardiovascular risks
Over-the-Counter Formulations
Ibuprofen is available over-the-counter in various generic and brand name formulations, including:
| Formulation | Strength |
|---|---|
| Generic ibuprofen | 200 mg tablets |
| Advil | 200 mg tablets or caplets |
| Motrin | 200 mg tablets |
Lower strength formulations are also available including 100 mg per 5 mL suspension liquids and 50-100 mg chewable tablets for children.
Prescription Doses
Higher dose 400 mg to 800 mg ibuprofen tablets may be prescribed by a doctor for certain conditions. However, they are not intended for long-term use due to increased risks.
Alternatives
For minor pain relief, non-NSAID alternatives to consider include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – max 4000 mg per day
- Aspirin – max 4000 mg per day
- Naproxen (Aleve) – max 1000 mg per day
Topical creams containing menthol, capsaicin, camphor or salicylates can also help relieve localized pain. For chronic pain conditions, alternatives may include opioid medications, surgery, physical therapy or complementary treatments.
Warnings
- Don’t exceed recommended doses or duration of use
- Avoid use with other NSAID medications like aspirin or naproxen
- Don’t use ibuprofen if you have an allergy or previous side effects
- Avoid use before surgery or dental procedures
- Don’t use with blood thinning medications without medical advice
- Consult a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding or have medical conditions
- Seek immediate help for serious side effect symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling, skin rash or black stools
Conclusion
When used as directed, ibuprofen is a relatively safe and effective medication for temporary pain, fever and inflammation relief. However, it’s important to be aware of the maximum recommended daily doses based on your age and health status. Exceeding 1200-1600 mg per day raises the risk of potentially serious adverse effects over both the short and long term. Seek medical advice if you need to use ibuprofen continuously for more than 7-10 days or have any concerning symptoms while taking it.