Do not take more than 1200 mg per day for general pain or fever. Most (though not all) ibuprofen tablets come in 200 mg doses, which means you shouldn’t take more than 6 over the course of 1 day. Check your packaging to find the precise dosage per tablet. [7] X Research source The maximum amount of ibuprofen you can take as an adult is 800 mg per dose or 3,400 mg per day, but you should only take these amounts if it’s prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Ibuprofen also comes in tablets that will melt on your tongue or granules that can be dissolved in water. These options are usually fruit-flavored, and they should be available at your local pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist if you have trouble locating them in the store.
If your doctor puts you on the maximum dosage of ibuprofen (3200 mg/day), they will likely try to slowly decrease this dosage over time.
If you take sustained-release ibuprofen just once per day, it’ll probably be recommended that you do so at night. Sustained-release ibuprofen is often used in combination with other pain-management medications. Be sure to read the directions on your medication fully before taking it.
Check the packaging for precise dosage recommendations. This form of ibuprofen should not be used by children under 12. Wash your hands before and after you apply the medication.
Most ibuprofen overdoses occur when the person is tired or mentally foggy, such as after surgery or an accident. If you are not functioning at your normal level, write down each time you take a pain pill so you have a record of what you’ve ingested.
If your baby’s fever is 100. 4 °F (38. 0 °C) or higher, call your doctor or visit an emergency clinic. [12] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Since this syrup tastes sugary, children may actually want to take it! This can be dangerous, especially for younger children who don’t understand why they can’t slurp up the whole bottle. Keep all medication, including ibuprofen, in a cabinet with a child-safe lock on it.
Mark the bottle of ibuprofen each time you administer the medication using a permanent marker. This way, if the bottle is emptier than it should be, you will know you have a problem. Always keep medications out of the reach of young children.
This isn’t a full list of all the medications that may have unpredictable results when taken in combination with ibuprofen. Any time you go on a new medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist which other drugs (including ibuprofen) it can be taken with safely. [18] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If you’re currently on prescription medication and you’re unsure whether it can be taken with ibuprofen, call your doctor or pharmacist to double-check.
For example, you may be able to take Tylenol and other acetaminophens.
It’s also best to avoid ibuprofen when breastfeeding.
You should also talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you’re over 65 or have high blood sugar, lupus, or a history of ulcers or ulcerative colitis. [25] X Research source
