Standard ibuprofen dose for adults

For adults, the standard single dose of ibuprofen is 200 to 400 mg, taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain or fever. Do not take more than 1,200 mg in a single day without talking to a doctor, and do not take ibuprofen for more than 10 days in a row unless a doctor tells you to.

Most over-the-counter ibuprofen tablets come in 200 mg strength, so a standard dose is one to two tablets. If you buy 400 mg tablets, that is one tablet per dose. The 600 mg and 800 mg strengths are usually prescription-only, though some pharmacies sell 400 mg without a prescription depending on your state.

Spacing matters as much as the amount. Taking ibuprofen every 4 hours is safe; taking it every 2 hours is not, even if the total daily amount stays under 1,200 mg. Set a timer or write down when you took your last dose so you do not accidentally double up.

Key Takeaways

  • Adults should take 200 to 400 mg of ibuprofen per dose, which is one to two 200 mg tablets or one 400 mg tablet, every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
  • The maximum daily dose for adults is 1,200 mg without a doctor's instruction, and you should not take ibuprofen for more than 10 days in a row.
  • Children's doses depend on weight, not age, and are much smaller than adult doses — never give a child an adult tablet without checking the package label first.
  • Ibuprofen works better if you take it with food or milk to reduce stomach upset, though food does not change how much you should take.
  • If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, or take blood thinners, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen at all.

Ibuprofen dosing by tablet strength

Over-the-counter ibuprofen comes in 200 mg tablets in most drugstores. A single 200 mg tablet is a standard dose for mild to moderate pain. If you need stronger relief, take two 200 mg tablets (400 mg total) instead of one.

Some brands sell 400 mg tablets, which are single-tablet doses. These are less common in regular drugstores but easier to carry and remember. Do not assume a larger tablet is stronger — always read the label, because some brands make 200 mg tablets that look bigger than others.

Prescription ibuprofen comes in 600 mg and 800 mg strengths. These are prescribed by a doctor for specific conditions and should be taken exactly as written on the bottle. Do not take more of a prescription strength than the label says, even if over-the-counter doses would allow it.

Children's ibuprofen dosing

Children's doses are based on weight, not age, because a 5-year-old and a 10-year-old can weigh very differently. The standard dose is 5 to 10 mg per pound of body weight, given every 6 to 8 hours, with a maximum of 40 mg per kilogram (about 18 mg per pound) per day.

Children's ibuprofen is sold in liquid form (suspension) for ages 2 and up, and in chewable tablets for older children. The liquid comes with a syringe or dropper marked in milliliters — use that tool, not a kitchen spoon, because kitchen spoons vary in size. If your child weighs between 24 and 35 pounds, the typical dose is 5 mL of children's suspension; between 36 and 47 pounds, it is 7.5 mL. Check the bottle for your child's exact weight range.

Never give a child an adult ibuprofen tablet. Even a single 200 mg tablet is too much for a small child. If your child is older and the package says they can take adult tablets, weigh them first and do the math — it is straightforward to give too much by accident.

When to take ibuprofen with food

Taking ibuprofen with food or milk reduces the chance of stomach upset, nausea, or heartburn. The amount of ibuprofen you take does not change — food does not make it less effective. If your stomach is sensitive, eat something before taking a dose, or take it with a glass of milk.

Do not take ibuprofen on a completely empty stomach if you have ever had stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or digestive problems. If you take ibuprofen regularly (more than a few times a week), eating with it becomes more important, because the risk of stomach damage builds up over time.

Medical conditions that change ibuprofen dosing

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney problems, do not take ibuprofen without asking a doctor first. Ibuprofen can raise blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, and damage kidneys, especially in people who already have these conditions. A doctor may tell you to use a different pain reliever or to take ibuprofen only under specific conditions.

If you take blood thinners (such as warfarin or aspirin), ibuprofen can increase bleeding risk. If you take certain blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics), ibuprofen can reduce how well they work. If you take methotrexate for arthritis or cancer, ibuprofen can cause it to build up to dangerous levels in your body.

Older adults (65 and up) should use ibuprofen cautiously and at the lowest dose needed, because the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney damage is higher. If you are pregnant, do not take ibuprofen, especially in the third trimester — talk to your doctor about safer options.

Signs you are taking too much ibuprofen

Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or dark or bloody stools are signs of stomach damage from ibuprofen. Stop taking it and call a doctor or poison control if these happen. Ringing in the ears, dizziness, or blurred vision can also signal too much ibuprofen in your system.

If you take ibuprofen every day for weeks or months, you raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach ulcers even if you stay within the daily limit. If you need pain relief that often, see a doctor instead of taking ibuprofen on your own. There may be a better option for your situation, or a doctor may want to find out why the pain is not going away.

Ibuprofen versus other over-the-counter pain relievers

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve) are the three main over-the-counter pain relievers. Ibuprofen and naproxen are both NSAIDs and work the same way; naproxen lasts longer (8 to 12 hours per dose) but has the same stomach and heart risks. Acetaminophen works differently and is safer for the stomach, but it can damage the liver if you take too much, and it does not reduce swelling the way ibuprofen does.

If you have a headache or fever, any of the three work. If you have a sprain, arthritis, or menstrual cramps — anything with swelling — ibuprofen or naproxen work better because they reduce inflammation. If you have stomach problems or take blood thinners, acetaminophen is usually safer. Do not take more than one type at the same time, and do not take ibuprofen and naproxen together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take ibuprofen every day?

Taking ibuprofen every day for more than a few weeks raises your risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach ulcers. If you need pain relief that often, see a doctor. There may be a safer option, or the doctor may want to treat the underlying cause instead of just the pain.

What if I accidentally took too much ibuprofen?

If you took one or two extra tablets by accident, you will likely be fine — watch for stomach pain, nausea, or dizziness over the next few hours. If you took a much larger amount or if symptoms appear, call poison control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or go to an emergency room. Have the bottle with you so you can tell them the strength and how many tablets you took.

Does ibuprofen work faster if I take more of it?

No. Taking 800 mg does not work faster than 400 mg — it just lasts longer and carries more risk. The pain relief starts in about 30 minutes either way. If 400 mg is not enough, wait the full 4 to 6 hours before taking another dose rather than taking extra tablets sooner.

Can I take ibuprofen with other medicines?

Ibuprofen interacts with blood thinners, blood pressure medicines, certain arthritis drugs, and some others. If you take any prescription medicines, ask a pharmacist before taking ibuprofen. They can tell you in one call whether it is safe or if you need a different pain reliever.

Is it safe to take ibuprofen while drinking alcohol?

No. Alcohol and ibuprofen together increase the risk of stomach bleeding and liver damage. If you drink alcohol, do not take ibuprofen. Use acetaminophen instead, but do not exceed the daily limit for that either.