Advil (Ibuprofen): Uses, Dosage, Warnings & Side Effects

Advil

Generic name: Ibuprofen [ EYE-bue-PROE-fen ]

Other brand names: Motrin, Midol, IBU

Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Medically reviewed by [Your Site's Medical Reviewer Name or Title, e.g., PharmaBD Team]. Last updated on [Current Date].

On this page:

• Uses
• Warnings
• Before taking
• Dosage
• Side effects
• Interactions

What is Advil?

Advil is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen, its active ingredient, works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Advil is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Warnings

Do not take more than your recommended dose. An ibuprofen overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. Use only the smallest amount of medication needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.

Before taking this medicine

Advil can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Advil may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

Advil Dosage Information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Advil is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Advil Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or feeling short of breath.

Stop using Advil and call your doctor at once if you have:

• changes in your vision;
• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

What other drugs will affect Advil?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to ibuprofen (such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Ask a doctor before using Advil if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask your doctor before using Advil if you take:

• cyclosporine;
• lithium;
• methotrexate;
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin);
• heart or blood pressure medication;
• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Advil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.