What is Advil: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Advil

• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

• Advil can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. If an Advil dose causes upset stomach, you can take Advil with food or milk. 

• How to take adult-strength Advil:

  • Adult strength Advil can be taken by adults and children 12 years of age or older.

  • Take one tablet or gel capsule with a full glass of water.

  • If one tablet, capsule, or gel capsule does not provide enough symptom relief, you can double the dose to two tablets or capsules.

  • Continue taking one or two tablets or capsules every four to six hours as long as symptoms last. 

  • Do not take more than six tablets or capsules per day.

  • Store Advil tablets or capsules at room temperature. Do not expose them to excessive heat.

• How to administer Advil to children:

  • Children’s Advil can be given to children two years of age or older.

  • Only give this medicine if needed.

  • Follow the dosing chart supplied with the medicine. Doses will be based on weight.

  • If using Advil oral suspension, shake the bottle well before measuring a dose. Use only the dosing cup that comes with this medicine to measure a dose.

  • For chewable tablets, make sure the child completely chews the tablet before swallowing. When done, the child should drink some water.

  • Give one dose as needed every six to eight hours.

  • Do not give the child more than four doses daily.

  • Store Advil chewables or oral suspension at room temperature. 

• How to administer Advil to infants:

  • Infants’ Advil is intended for use in children younger than 24 months.

  • Only give this medicine if needed.

  • Follow the dosing chart supplied with the medicine. Doses will be based on weight.

  • Shake the bottle well before measuring a dose.

  • Use only the calibrated dosing device provided with this medicine to measure a dose. Do not use kitchen utensils or tableware.

  • Give one dose as needed every six to eight hours.

  • Do not give the child more than four doses per day.

  • Store Advil Infants’ Drops at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Advil

• If you miss a dose of Advil and symptoms are still present, take it as soon as you can.

• If you do take a missed dose, don’t take the next dose until four or six hours later (for adults) or six to eight hours later (for children younger than 12 years of age).

Advil contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use Advil containing ibuprofen if you have had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to ibuprofen, aspirin, or another NSAID.

• Do not use Advil containing ibuprofen right before or right after heart surgery.

Advil warnings

• Use Advil cautiously. 

  • Take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

  • Contact a doctor if symptoms worsen, new symptoms appear, or Advil does not relieve pain in 10 days or fever in 3 days.

• Before using Advil ibuprofen, consult a doctor if you (or your child if giving Advil to a child) have any of the following conditions:

  • Any serious medical condition

  • Heart disease

  • Heart failure

  • History of stroke

  • History of ulcers or heartburn

  • History of gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Asthma

  • High blood pressure

  • Dehydration (or problems like vomiting, diarrhea, or not drinking enough fluids)

  • Pregnancy or plans to get pregnant

  • Breastfeeding

• Using Advil ibuprofen can increase the risk of:

  • Blood clots

  • Heart attack

  • Stroke

  • Heart failure

  • Fluid retention

• Advil ibuprofen can cause serious digestive system problems including:

  • Ulcers

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Perforation of the stomach, esophagus, or intestines

• Though rare, the use of Advil ibuprofen can also cause serious health problems including:

  • Kidney damage

  • Liver damage

  • High blood pressure

  • High potassium

  • Anemia

• Because of possible risks to an unborn child, NSAIDs like Advil ibuprofen should not be taken after week 20 of pregnancy.

• Ibuprofen can cause severe allergic or skin reactions. If a reaction occurs, stop taking Advil immediately and contact your doctor.

• Ibuprofen can delay ovulation in women.

• Your headaches may become worse if you use ibuprofen or any other NSAID for 10 or more days per month. If you need to take Advil for longer than 10 days, talk to a doctor.

• Children’s formulations of Advil may contain aspartame. People with phenylketonuria may experience serious side effects if they take these products. 

• If you have taken a dose of Advil, tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that day that you are using this medicine.

Advil interactions

• Because of possible drug interactions, tell healthcare providers you are actively using this medicine.

• Avoid taking other NSAIDs such as aspirin or naproxen. The prescription NSAID ketorolac should never be combined with Advil ibuprofen products.

• Avoid alcohol when taking ibuprofen. Having three or more drinks daily increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal side effects.

• Other medications that may cause problems with Advil ibuprofen include:

  • Blood thinners

  • Blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors

  • Diuretics

  • Corticosteroids

  • Certain types of antibiotics called aminoglycoside antibiotics

  • Antidepressants

  • Lithium and methotrexate

Find more detailed information about ibuprofen interactions to avoid here.