Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. The recommended dosage for adults is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 1200 mg per day. So taking 800 mg of ibuprofen would be considered an excessive single dose and you generally should not take more than 800 mg at one time.
Quick answers
- The maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen in 24 hours is 1200 mg.
- For an adult, the general dosage is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
- You should not exceed 800 mg as a single dose.
- Allow at least 4-6 hours between doses to avoid exceeding the daily limit.
- Take with food to reduce risk of upset stomach.
- Do not take for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without consulting a doctor.
Below we will go into more detail on how often and how much ibuprofen you can safely take for pain and swelling relief.
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. By reducing prostaglandins, ibuprofen provides analgesic (pain-relieving), antipyretic (fever-reducing) and anti-inflammatory effects.
Recommended dosage
For adults, the generally recommended dosage for ibuprofen is:
- 200-400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Maximum dose in 24 hours is 1200 mg
So based on this dosage range, you can take ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours, but should not exceed 1200 mg in a 24 hour period. Typically, you would not want to exceed 800 mg as a single dose.
Maximum single dose
While the maximum total daily dose is 1200 mg, most guidelines recommend not exceeding 800 mg as a single dose. Higher single doses can increase the risk of side effects or toxicity without providing much additional benefit in pain or fever relief.
Minimum interval between doses
To avoid going over the recommended daily limit, you should wait at least 4-6 hours between doses of ibuprofen. Taking it too soon increases your risk of adverse effects without added pain or fever relief.
So if you take an 800 mg dose, you would need to wait at least 4-6 hours before considering another dose, and be sure not to exceed 1200 mg in 24 hours. The next dose could be 400-600 mg to stay within the recommended range.
Duration of use
Ibuprofen should only be used for short periods of time unless advised by a doctor. For pain, do not use for more than 10 days. For fever, do not use for more than 3 days.
Long-term or frequent use of ibuprofen can increase your risk of gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems, and cardiovascular events. It’s intended for temporary relief of minor aches and pains.
Pain
If taking ibuprofen for pain relief, such as from an injury, do not use it for more than 10 consecutive days without consulting a doctor first. Long-term unmonitored use can result in adverse health effects.
Fever
If taking ibuprofen to reduce fever, do not use it for more than 3 consecutive days. Fevers persisting longer than this often require medical evaluation.
Consult a doctor if the fever is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, is in a young child, or does not improve with initial doses of ibuprofen.
Considerations
Age
Dosages of ibuprofen are lower for children younger than 12 years old. Do not give more than 100-200 mg every 6-8 hours without first consulting a pediatrician.
Other medical conditions
Individuals with certain medical conditions may require lower doses of ibuprofen or need to avoid it altogether. This includes people with:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding disorders
- Asthma
- Stomach ulcers
Consult a doctor before taking ibuprofen if you have any chronic medical conditions.
Other medications
Ibuprofen can interact with several other medications. These include:
- Anticoagulants like warfarin
- Antiplatelets like aspirin
- ACE inhibitors for blood pressure
- Diuretics
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- SSRIs for depression
- Corticosteroids
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen if you take any other medications.
Food
It is best to take ibuprofen with food or milk to help reduce upset stomach. The food helps coat the lining of the stomach to prevent direct irritation from the ibuprofen.
Side effects
When used as directed, ibuprofen is generally well tolerated. However, possible side effects can occur, especially at high doses. These may include:
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Rash
More serious side effects are possible with long-term frequent use, including kidney problems, liver damage, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Allergic reaction
Some people may be allergic to ibuprofen. Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction like difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or facial swelling.
Warnings
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage – no more than 1200 mg per day for adults.
- Allow at least 4-6 hours between doses.
- Do not take for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever unless directed by a doctor.
- Avoid use with alcohol and other NSAIDs like aspirin or naproxen.
- Use cautiously if you have any chronic medical conditions.
- Stop use and seek medical help if you experience signs of stomach bleeding, allergic reaction, liver problems, kidney problems, or heart problems.
Summary
To summarize, the recommended dosage of ibuprofen for adults is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 1200 mg per day. Exceeding 800 mg as a single dose is not recommended. Allow at least 4-6 hours between doses and do not use for more than 10 consecutive days for pain or 3 days for fever without consulting a doctor first.
Take ibuprofen with food when possible to reduce stomach irritation. Use cautiously if you have any underlying medical conditions or take other medications that can interact. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any concerning side effects.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to take 800 mg of ibuprofen at once?
No more than 800 mg of ibuprofen should be taken at one time. While this is below the 24-hour limit, larger single doses increase the risk of adverse effects without added benefit.
How long should I wait between 800 mg doses of ibuprofen?
You should wait at least 4-6 hours between doses of 800 mg ibuprofen. This allows the previous dose to clear your system and helps stay within dosage recommendations.
Can I take ibuprofen every 4 hours?
You can take standard doses of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours as needed, up to the daily limit. But do not exceed maximum doses of 800 mg, and allow at least 4 hours between a dose of 800 mg.
How much ibuprofen can I take per day?
The maximum recommended daily dose of ibuprofen for adults is 1200 mg. This would equal 6 doses of 200 mg each spaced evenly throughout the day.
Is it bad to take ibuprofen daily?
Taking ibuprofen daily or long-term is not recommended unless advised by your doctor. For occasional use, limit to no more than 10 consecutive days for pain and 3 days for fever. Chronic daily use can increase health risks.
What happens if I accidentally took 1600 mg of ibuprofen?
Taking up to 1600 mg of ibuprofen as a single accidental dose is unlikely to cause serious harm in healthy adults. However, you may be more prone to side effects like upset stomach, dizziness, or ringing in the ears. Avoid any more ibuprofen for at least 8 hours and seek medical advice if concerning symptoms develop.
Can I take ibuprofen every 6 hours?
Yes, you can safely take a normal 200-400 mg dose of ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum total daily dose of 1200 mg. Allow at least 6 hours between doses.
How long does it take for ibuprofen to reduce swelling?
Ibuprofen typically begins reducing swelling within an hour after taking a dose. The maximum anti-inflammatory effect may take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to occur. For chronic swelling, it may take up to 2 weeks of regular use to see the full effects.
Is it better to take ibuprofen with food?
Yes, it is generally recommended to take ibuprofen with food or milk. This helps coat the stomach lining and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects like stomach pain and nausea.
Can ibuprofen stop menstrual bleeding?
In some cases, yes – ibuprofen can help slow or reduce menstrual bleeding when taken regularly. It works by reducing uterine contractions and prostaglandins. However, speak to your doctor before using ibuprofen to manage heavy periods.
Does ibuprofen thin your blood?
No, ibuprofen does not directly thin the blood or affect blood clotting. However, it may increase your risk of bleeding in the stomach and intestines, especially with prolonged use. Ibuprofen inhibits platelet function, which can make bleeding harder to stop.
Conclusion
Ibuprofen is an effective medication for temporary pain, fever, and inflammation relief when used correctly. For adults, take 200-400 mg doses every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 1200 mg per day. Do not exceed 800 mg per single dose. Allow at least 4 hours between an 800 mg dose. Only use for short periods of 10 days or less for pain and 3 days or less for fever unless directed by a doctor. Take with food when possible to minimize side effects. Seek medical advice if any concerning symptoms develop.