This article describes ibuprofen oral tablet’s dosages, its strengths, and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen oral tablet is a generic version of brand-name drugs such as Advil and Motrin IB. Ibuprofen also comes in over-the-counter (OTC), injectable, and other oral forms. But those forms and OTC versions aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
If you want to know more about ibuprofen oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart-related events and serious gastrointestinal (digestive) problems. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). See the end of this article for more information.
Ibuprofen comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s available in the following strengths:
- 400 milligrams (mg)
- 600 mg
- 800 mg
Dosage of ibuprofen
This article describes the recommended dosages* for ibuprofen oral tablet.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of ibuprofen oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages. If your doctor prescribes ibuprofen, be sure to take the dosage they prescribe for you.
Usual recommended dosages of ibuprofen in adults
Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It’s prescribed for adults to help relieve pain and inflammation related to certain conditions.
Usually, doctors prescribe the lowest dosage of ibuprofen oral tablet. They’ll prescribe it for the shortest amount of time that gives the desired outcome.
The information below describes dosages (in milligrams [mg]) that are commonly prescribed. That said, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs.
The maximum daily dose of ibuprofen oral tablet is 3,200 mg.
Dosage of ibuprofen in children
Ibuprofen oral tablet is not approved for use in children. But over-the-counter (OTC) versions of ibuprofen are available specifically for children.
Talk with your child’s doctor or your pharmacist about these OTC versions of ibuprofen for children. They can tell you about the dosage that’s right for your child.
Dosage adjustments for ibuprofen
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of ibuprofen oral tablet based on several factors, including:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you take
- whether you’re an older adult (usually considered age 65 years or older)
Depending on these factors, your doctor may start you on a low dosage of ibuprofen. They also might monitor you closely during your treatment. Before starting ibuprofen, tell your doctor about your health history and other medications you take.
Missed dose of ibuprofen
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot a dose of ibuprofen oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of ibuprofen oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about ibuprofen oral tablet and its dosage.
Is there a 200-mg dose of ibuprofen?
No, ibuprofen oral tablet doesn’t have a recommended 200-milligram (mg) dose for its approved uses. Further, the oral tablet isn’t available in a 200-mg strength. For more details about recommended dosages, see the “Dosage of ibuprofen” section above.
If you need an ibuprofen dose of 200 mg, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) version. OTC ibuprofen is available without a prescription in different strengths and forms for adults and children. Read the Drug Facts on the product label for details. If you still have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the correct OTC ibuprofen dose.
To learn whether you should take prescription ibuprofen oral tablet or an OTC version, ask your doctor.
What is the ibuprofen dosage for inflammation?
The dosage of ibuprofen oral tablet for inflammation depends on several factors such as:
- the cause and severity of your inflammation
- your other health conditions
- other medications you take
Your doctor will take these factors into consideration. Once they do, they’ll prescribe the lowest dosage for the shortest time to meet your treatment goals.
Ibuprofen oral tablet has recommended dosages for pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also has recommended dosages for mild to moderate pain that may be associated with inflammation.
Your doctor can give you more details about dosages for inflammation. You can also see the “Dosage of ibuprofen” section above.
How does the dosage of prescription ibuprofen compare with over-the-counter (OTC) ibuprofen?
The dosage of OTC ibuprofen is lower than the dosage of prescription ibuprofen oral tablet. Also, the maximum daily dose of OTC ibuprofen is lower than the maximum daily dose of the prescription form.
OTC ibuprofen is available for adults and children without a prescription. The Drug Facts on the product label provide dosage information.
You can also talk with your doctor to learn whether the prescription or OTC version is right for you. And your doctor or pharmacist can recommend the correct dosage of OTC ibuprofen for your condition or your child’s.
Is ibuprofen used long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe ibuprofen oral tablet as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended as a short-term treatment.
If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it short term.
How ibuprofen is taken
You’ll take ibuprofen oral tablet by swallowing it. You’ll likely take it three to six times per day depending on the condition it’s treating. But be sure to take it exactly how your doctor prescribes.
You can take ibuprofen with or without food. But taking it with food or milk may reduce the risk that you’ll have an upset stomach.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. Doing so helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And this can help the drug work more effectively.
Swallow the ibuprofen tablets whole. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it or discuss other forms that you take by mouth.
Ibuprofen coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for ibuprofen when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of ibuprofen
It’s important that you do not take more ibuprofen oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.
What to do if you take too much ibuprofen
If you think you’ve taken too much ibuprofen, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for ibuprofen oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of ibuprofen oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take ibuprofen oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it.
Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will my dosage increase if ibuprofen oral tablet isn’t working to relieve my pain?
- If I have liver or kidney problems, will my dosage decrease?
- Why does the maximum dosage differ between ibuprofen oral tablet and over-the-counter ibuprofen?
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart-related events and serious gastrointestinal (digestive) problems. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Risk of serious cardiovascular events. Ibuprofen increases the risk of life threatening and serious heart-related events. These include heart attack and stroke. This risk can occur at the start of your treatment. Further, the risk can increase the longer you use the drug.
Due to this risk, your doctor will prescribe ibuprofen at the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time.
They likely will not prescribe this drug if you plan to have or you’ve recently had coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Risk of serious gastrointestinal problems. Ibuprofen increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal problems, including:
These problems can occur without symptoms at any time during treatment. The risk increases in older adults (ages 65 years and older). It also increases in people who have had gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding before.
Due to this risk, your doctor may not prescribe ibuprofen if you have an increased risk of developing serious gastrointestinal problems. If they prescribe it, they’ll likely prescribe the lowest dosage for the shortest time that gives the desired effect. This is to reduce the risk of serious gastrointestinal problems.
For more details about these warnings, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
