How to take ibuprofen

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

How much you can take depends on your age, the type ofibuprofen you're taking and how strong it is.

For example:

  • adults can usually takeone or two200mg tablets every four to six hours, but shouldn't take more than 1,200mg(six 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 three 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 ifit isn't relieving your symptoms.

Adults can take paracetamol at the same time asibuprofenif necessary, but this isn't recommended for children. For more details, see Can I take paracetamol and ibuprofen together? .

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if your symptoms get worse or last more than three days despite taking ibuprofen.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dez 2018