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Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): dosing, warnings and who should avoid it

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Three ibuprofen forms compared

Details are from each product's DailyMed label. All three list the same adult directions: 1 every 4 to 6 hours, 2 if needed, not more than 6 in 24 hours, and ask a doctor for children under 12.

What ibuprofen treats

The labels list ibuprofen as a pain reliever and fever reducer that temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, toothache, backache, menstrual cramps, the common cold, muscular aches and minor pain of arthritis, and temporarily reduces fever.

The labels say to take it with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. For localized pain, a topical option may suit some people; see our lidocaine patches guide and muscle rub cream guide. If you need to avoid NSAIDs, see our acetaminophen guide.

Stomach bleeding warning

The Advil label says this product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:

• are age 60 or older
• have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
• take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
• take other drugs containing prescription or non-prescription NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen
• have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using it
• take more or for a longer time than directed

Stop use and ask a doctor if you feel faint, vomit blood, have bloody or black stools, or have stomach pain that does not get better.

Heart attack and stroke warning

The labels state that NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke, which can be fatal, and that the risk is higher if you use more than directed or for longer than directed. Do not use right before or after heart surgery.

Ask a doctor before use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease or asthma, have had a stroke, or take a diuretic. Stop and get help for symptoms of heart problems or stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part or side of the body, slurred speech or leg swelling.

Aspirin, allergies and pregnancy

• Taking aspirin for your heart? Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use, because the label says ibuprofen may decrease this benefit of aspirin.
• Allergy alert. Ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin, with symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, wheezing, shock, skin reddening, rash or blisters. Stop and seek help right away.
• Pregnancy. The label says it is especially important not to use ibuprofen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed by a doctor, because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

When to stop and see a doctor

Stop use and ask a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days, fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days, redness or swelling is present in the painful area, or any new symptoms appear. Check the labels of cold, sinus and sleep products, since many combination medicines also contain ibuprofen. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

For checking a fever, see our digital thermometer guide, and for heat therapy on sore muscles, our electric heating pad guide.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

How much ibuprofen can I take in a day?

For adults and children 12 and over, the labels say do not exceed 6 tablets or capsules in 24 hours unless a doctor directs.

How often can I take ibuprofen?

Every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist, 1 or 2 at a time, per the labels.

Can I take ibuprofen with aspirin?

Ask a doctor first; the label says ibuprofen may decrease aspirin's heart benefit.

Can I take ibuprofen while pregnant?

Ask a health professional; the label says do not use at 20 weeks or later unless a doctor directs.

Should ibuprofen be taken with food?

The labels say take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.

Sources

• Advil (ibuprofen) tablets, caplets and gel caplets label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Advil (ibuprofen sodium) tablet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Motrin IB (ibuprofen) liquid-filled capsule label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Sources checked 2026-10-15.