How to Take Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is used to relieve fever, pain and inflammation for many conditions. Some of the conditions for which Ibuprofen can be used include injuries, surgical recovery, headache, toothache, arthritis and pre-menstrual symptoms. Ibuprofen can be bought over the counter and is sometimes given by prescription in higher doses. Ibuprofen works by affecting the hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Some of the common brand names for ibuprofen include Advil, Motrin, Midol and Nuprin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ibuprofen

1. Take Ibuprofen exactly as the label tells you or as prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking over-the-counter Ibuprofen, follow the directions on the label. If a doctor has prescribed you a higher dosage, follow the doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
2. Take Ibuprofen with a full glass of water. If Ibuprofen causes nausea or an upset stomach, take it with food or a glass of milk. Stomach upset is common with Ibuprofen.
3. Use the smallest amount of Ibuprofen necessary to relieve your symptoms. The maximum dosage of Ibuprofen is 800 mg. per dose for a maximum of 3200 mg. in a day.
4. Measure the liquid form of Ibuprofen with a special measuring spoon or cup to ensure you are getting the proper dose. If you do not have a measuring device, ask your pharmacist.
5. Chew the chewable Ibuprofen tablet completely before you swallow. Chewing the tablet will let the medication act more quickly than if you swallow it whole and wait for it to dissolve.

Tips & Warnings

• Store Ibuprofen at room temperature and avoid heat and moisture. Keep the liquid form of Ibuprofen from freezing.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is not known to cause problems in newborn babies or fetuses; however, you should still inform your doctor.
• Watch for less-serious side effects from Ibuprofen. If you notice an upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, dizziness, headaches, nervousness, itching skin, rash, blurred vision or ringing in your ears, call your doctor.
• If you are on a schedule for Ibuprofen and you miss a dose, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking Ibuprofen as prescribed.
• Do not take Ibuprofen if you have a history of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, asthma nose polyps, heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, lupus, bleeding disorders, blood-clotting disorders or if you smoke. Inform your doctor before taking Ibuprofen if you have any of the previous conditions. Your doctor may want to alter your prescription or not give you Ibuprofen at all.
• Do not take any over-the-counter cold or allergy medications while taking Ibuprofen without consulting your doctor.
• If you have an overdose of Ibuprofen, you need to seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of an Ibuprofen overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing blood, shallow breathing, fainting and coma.
• Other drugs may cause adverse reactions when combined with Ibuprofen. Inform your doctor before taking Ibuprofen if you have taken or are currently taking aspirin, diclofenac, etodolac, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, mefenamic acid, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, benazepril, captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril, lithium, furosemide, methotrexate, steroids or blood thinners.