Maximum dose of ibuprofen at one time

Motrin Product Description

Drug Uses

Motrin belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Motrin provides a combined therapeutic effect including anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects.

Motrin is used to relieve pain in the back, joints, muscles, headache, toothache and pain due to damage or stretch in the connective tissues. In addition, Motrin helps to reduce the frequency and duration of symptoms of primary or secondary dysmenorrhea, cold and flu.

Maximum symptomatic responses to Motrin is reached in about 60 minutes after oral administration. For the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain, it is recommended to take a dose of Motrin 300mg or 400mg every 4 hours. To facilitate the acute pain single doses of Motrin 800 mg may be used, but no more than 3200mg of the drug per day.

Missed dose

If you’ve missed an assigned dosage of Motrin, take the NSAID as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for the next dose of Motrin, do not take it at all. Resume the prescribed dosage of Motrin on the next day.

More Information

Motrin prevents the development of the active lipid compound prostaglandin, which is believed to be a major mediator of pain and inflammation. Prostaglandin participates in a wide range of body functions, so the duration of application of Motrin pills should be minimized.

Storage
Analgesic agent Motrin should be stored in a tightly closed container at controlled room temperature up to 25°C.

Motrin Safety Information

Warnings

Dosage requirements in patients with different types of pain and inflammation may vary from day to day, according to the analgesic response, disease exacerbation, physical and emotional stress. Minimum effective doses of Motrin are recommended to patients with a history of edema, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Disclaimer
All information, provided in the review of anti-inflammatory agent Motrin, is intended for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice of the therapist or other medical specialist. The online pharmacy under no circumstances shall be liable for any damage, which may be caused due to improper use of the information on antipyretic agent Motrin.

Motrin Side Effects

Any undesirable effects are reported as rare during application of Motrin pills and normally do not cause harm to the body. From 1% to 3% of patients, taking Motrin, may complain of such undesirable effects as: decreased appetite, water retention, nausea, pyrosis, diarrhea, abdominal distress, dyspepsia, vomiting, headache, nervousness, dizziness, rash, pruritus, tinnitus, or weakness.

A small part of the patients taking Motrin may observe the following undesirable effects: depression, insomnia, confusion, somnolence, urticaria, hair loss, melena, gastritis, hepatitis, lazy eye, blurred vision, neutropaenia or hypothermia.

Ibuprofen is a painkiller available over the counter without a prescription.

It's one of a group of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and can be used to:

• ease mild to moderate pain – such as toothache, migraine and period pain
• control a fever (high temperature) – for example, when someone has the flu (influenza)
• ease pain and inflammation (redness and swelling) caused by conditions that affect the joints, bones and muscles – such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
• ease pain and swelling caused by sprains and strains – such as sports injuries

This topic covers:

Types of ibuprofen

Who can take ibuprofen

How to take ibuprofen

Interactions with medicines, food and alcohol

Side effects of ibuprofen

Overdoses of ibuprofen

Types of ibuprofen

You can buy most types of ibuprofen from supermarkets or pharmacies. Some types are only available on prescription.

Ibuprofen is available in many forms, including:

• tablets
• capsules
• liquids
• gels or creams
• sprays

In some products ibuprofen is combined with other ingredients. For example, it's sometimes combined with medicine for a blocked nose (a decongestant) and sold as a cold and flu remedy.

Who can take ibuprofen

Some people should avoid using ibuprofen and others should use it with caution. If you have any queries about using ibuprofen or any other medicines, speak to your GP or pharmacist, or phone the NHS 24 111 service.

You shouldn't take ibuprofen if you:

• have a history of a strong, unpleasant reaction (hypersensitivity) to aspirin or other NSAIDs
• have a current or recent stomach ulcer, or you have had one in the past
• have severe heart failure
• have severe liver disease
• are taking low-dose aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease

You should use ibuprofen with caution if you're aged 65 or over, breastfeeding, or have:

• asthma
• kidney or liver problems
• lupus
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• previously had any bleeding in your stomach
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• narrowing of the arteries (peripheral arterial disease)
• any problems with your heart, such as angina, heart attacks, or mild or moderate heart failure
• had a stroke

Ibuprofen and pregnancy

Ideally, pregnant women shouldn't take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it.

But ibuprofen appears in breast milk in small amounts, so it's unlikely to cause any harm to your baby while you're breastfeeding.

It's best to tell your GP, pharmacist or health visitor about any medicines you're taking.

Paracetamol is recommended as an alternative to ease short-term pain or reduce a high temperature.

Ibuprofen and children

Ibuprofen may be given to children aged 3 months or over who weigh at least 5kg (11lbs) to relieve pain, inflammation or fever.

Your GP or another healthcare professional may recommend ibuprofen for younger children in certain cases – for example, this may be to control a fever after a vaccination if paracetamol is unsuitable.

If your baby or child has a high temperature that doesn't get better or they continue to experience pain, speak to your GP or phone the NHS 24 111 service.

How to take ibuprofen

Make sure you take ibuprofen as directed on the label or leaflet, or as instructed by a health professional.

How much you can take depends on your age, the type of ibuprofen you're taking and how strong it is. For example:

• adults – can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (200mg) every 4 to 6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 1,200mg (6 x 200mg) tablets in the space of 24 hours
• children under 16 – may need to take a lower dose, depending on their age; check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice

The painkilling effect of ibuprofen begins soon after a dose is taken, but the anti-inflammatory effect can sometimes take up to 3 weeks to get the best results.

Ibuprofen shouldn't be used to treat conditions that are mainly related to inflammation.

Don't take more than the recommended dose if it isn't relieving your symptoms.

Adults can take paracetamol at the same time if necessary, but this isn't recommended for children.

Contact your GP or phone the NHS 24 111 service if your symptoms get worse or last more than 3 days despite taking ibuprofen.

Interactions with medicines, food and alcohol

Ibuprofen can react unpredictably with certain other medicines. This can affect how well either medicine works and increase the risk of side effects.

Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it can be taken with ibuprofen. Ask your GP or local pharmacist if you're not sure. 

As ibuprofen is a type of NSAID, you shouldn't take more than one of these at a time or you'll have an increased risk of side effects. 

NSAIDs can also interact with many other medicines, including:

• some types of antidepressants – used to treat depression
• beta-blockers – used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
• diuretics – which reduce the amount of fluid in your body

Read more about medicines that interact with NSAIDs.

Ibuprofen can also interact with ginkgo biloba, a controversial dietary supplement some people claim can treat memory problems and dementia.

There are no known problems caused by taking ibuprofen with any specific foods or by drinking a moderate amount of alcohol.

Side effects of ibuprofen

Ibuprofen can cause a number of side effects. You should take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time needed to control your symptoms.

See the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of side effects.

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

• nausea or vomiting
• constipation or diarrhoea
• indigestion (dyspepsia) or abdominal pain

Less common side effects include:

• headache or dizziness
• bloating (fluid retention)
• raised blood pressure
• inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
• a stomach ulcer
• allergic reactions – such as a rash
• worsening of asthma symptoms by causing narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
• kidney failure
• black stools and blood in your vomit – this can indicate bleeding in your stomach

If you feel unwell after taking ibuprofen or have concerns, speak to your GP or pharmacist, or phone the NHS 24 111 service.

You can also report suspected side effects using the Yellow Card Scheme.

High doses

Taking high doses of ibuprofen over long periods of time can increase your risk of:

• stroke – when the blood supply to the brain is disturbed
• heart attacks – when the blood supply to the heart is blocked

In women, long-term use of ibuprofen might be associated with reduced fertility. This is usually reversible when you stop taking ibuprofen.

Overdoses of ibuprofen

Taking too much ibuprofen, known as an overdose, can be very dangerous.

If you've taken more than the recommended maximum dose, go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible.

It can be helpful to take any remaining medicine and the box or leaflet with you to A&E if you can.

Some people feel sick, vomit, have abdominal pain or ringing in their ears (tinnitus) after taking too much ibuprofen, but often there are no symptoms at first. Go to A&E even if you're feeling well.