Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Advil Dosage Guide
Ibuprofen (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID))
Advil is a leading brand of ibuprofen used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.
Quick Dosage Overview
Below is a summary of standard advil dosing for adults and children. For detailed charts, see the dedicated sub-pages linked below.
Adult Dosage
Standard ibuprofen dosing for adults
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults and children 12+ (Standard) | 200–400 mg (1–2 tablets) | Every 4–6 hours as needed | 1,200 mg (6 tablets) in 24 hours | Take with food or milk. Use the smallest effective dose. |
| Adults (Advil Liqui-Gels) | 200–400 mg (1–2 capsules) | Every 4–6 hours as needed | 1,200 mg (6 capsules) in 24 hours | Faster onset than standard tablets. |
| Adults (Advil PM) | 1–2 caplets (200–400 mg ibuprofen + 38–76 mg diphenhydramine) | Once at bedtime | 2 caplets | For nighttime use only. Do not take more than 2 caplets in 24 hours. |
| Adults (Advil Dual Action) | 1 caplet (250 mg ibuprofen + 500 mg acetaminophen) | Every 8 hours | 3 caplets in 24 hours | Do not use with other ibuprofen or acetaminophen products. |
- Dose
- 200–400 mg (1–2 tablets)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours as needed
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (6 tablets) in 24 hours
Take with food or milk. Use the smallest effective dose.
- Dose
- 200–400 mg (1–2 capsules)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours as needed
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (6 capsules) in 24 hours
Faster onset than standard tablets.
- Dose
- 1–2 caplets (200–400 mg ibuprofen + 38–76 mg diphenhydramine)
- Frequency
- Once at bedtime
- Max Daily
- 2 caplets
For nighttime use only. Do not take more than 2 caplets in 24 hours.
- Dose
- 1 caplet (250 mg ibuprofen + 500 mg acetaminophen)
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours
- Max Daily
- 3 caplets in 24 hours
Do not use with other ibuprofen or acetaminophen products.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Children's Dosage
Pediatric ibuprofen dosing by age group
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–11 months (12–17 lbs / 5–8 kg) | 50 mg (1.25 mL infant drops) | Every 6–8 hours | 150 mg (3 doses) | Consult a doctor before use in infants under 6 months. |
| 12–23 months (18–23 lbs / 8–10 kg) | 75 mg (1.875 mL infant drops) | Every 6–8 hours | 225 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 2–3 years (24–35 lbs / 11–15 kg) | 100 mg (5 mL suspension or 1 chewable tablet) | Every 6–8 hours | 300 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 4–5 years (36–47 lbs / 16–21 kg) | 150 mg (7.5 mL suspension) | Every 6–8 hours | 450 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 6–8 years (48–59 lbs / 22–27 kg) | 200 mg (10 mL suspension or 2 chewable tablets) | Every 6–8 hours | 600 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 9–10 years (60–71 lbs / 28–32 kg) | 250 mg (12.5 mL suspension) | Every 6–8 hours | 750 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 11 years (72–95 lbs / 33–43 kg) | 300 mg (15 mL suspension) | Every 6–8 hours | 900 mg (3 doses) | — |
- Dose
- 50 mg (1.25 mL infant drops)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 150 mg (3 doses)
Consult a doctor before use in infants under 6 months.
- Dose
- 75 mg (1.875 mL infant drops)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 225 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 100 mg (5 mL suspension or 1 chewable tablet)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 300 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 150 mg (7.5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 450 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 200 mg (10 mL suspension or 2 chewable tablets)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 600 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 250 mg (12.5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 750 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 300 mg (15 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 900 mg (3 doses)
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Weight-Based Dosage
Dosing calculated by body weight
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–8 kg (12–17 lbs) | 50 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 150 mg |
| 8–10 kg (18–23 lbs) | 75 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 225 mg |
| 11–15 kg (24–35 lbs) | 100 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 300 mg |
| 16–21 kg (36–47 lbs) | 150 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 450 mg |
| 22–27 kg (48–59 lbs) | 200 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 600 mg |
| 28–32 kg (60–71 lbs) | 250 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 750 mg |
| 33–43 kg (72–95 lbs) | 300 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 900 mg |
- Dose
- 50 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 150 mg
- Dose
- 75 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 225 mg
- Dose
- 100 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 300 mg
- Dose
- 150 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 450 mg
- Dose
- 200 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 600 mg
- Dose
- 250 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 750 mg
- Dose
- 300 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 900 mg
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
What Is Advil?
Advil is one of the most recognized brand names for ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Manufactured by Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare), Advil has been a trusted name in pain relief since its introduction in 1984. The active ingredient in Advil is ibuprofen, and the standard Advil tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen, which is the same dosage found in generic ibuprofen products. Advil is available in numerous formulations designed for different needs. Advil Liqui-Gels contain liquid ibuprofen in a soft gelatin capsule for faster absorption. Advil PM combines ibuprofen with the antihistamine diphenhydramine for nighttime pain relief with sleep aid. Advil Dual Action pairs ibuprofen with acetaminophen for enhanced pain relief. Children's Advil is available as a flavored oral suspension for pediatric use. As a brand-name ibuprofen product, Advil carries the same effectiveness, dosing guidelines, and safety considerations as generic ibuprofen. The choice between Advil and generic ibuprofen is primarily one of brand preference and formulation options, as the active ingredient and dosing are identical.
How Advil Works
Advil works through its active ingredient, ibuprofen, which inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). By blocking these enzymes, ibuprofen reduces the production of prostaglandins, chemicals responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever. Advil Liqui-Gels may be absorbed faster than standard tablets because the ibuprofen is already dissolved in a liquid form within the capsule. Pain relief typically begins within 15 to 30 minutes.
Common Uses
Advil is commonly used to treat the following conditions:
Available Forms
Advil is available in the following formulations:
Warnings & Precautions
Advil Warnings
- Do not use if allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
- Do not take right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
- Do not use Advil PM if you have ever had an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Advil Dual Action should not be used with other products containing ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Long-term use increases risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
- People with asthma may have aspirin-sensitive asthma that is triggered by NSAIDs.
- Stop use and see a doctor if pain lasts more than 10 days (5 days for children) or fever persists more than 3 days.
Critical Safety Information
Do Not Ignore
- CARDIOVASCULAR RISK: NSAIDs, including the ibuprofen in Advil, may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, heart attack, and stroke. This risk may increase with duration of use and in people with cardiovascular disease or risk factors.
- GASTROINTESTINAL RISK: NSAIDs increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. These events can occur without warning and can be fatal. Elderly patients and those with prior GI issues are at greater risk.
- ALLERGIC REACTION: Stop use and seek emergency help if you experience hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, or blisters.
- PREGNANCY WARNING: Do not use Advil during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy unless directed by a doctor. It may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
Side Effects
Like all medications, advil can cause side effects. Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Mild stomach pain
- Drowsiness (especially Advil PM)
- Bloating or gas
Serious Side Effects
- Stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stools, vomiting blood
- Signs of heart attack or stroke: chest pain, weakness, slurred speech, sudden vision changes
- Severe allergic reaction: hives, throat swelling, difficulty breathing
- Liver damage: yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine
- Kidney problems: swelling, reduced urine output
- Severe skin reaction: rash with blistering or peeling
- High blood pressure or worsening of existing hypertension
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Advil may interact with the following medications or substances. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Aspirin: May reduce aspirin's heart-protective effects. Separate doses by at least 30 minutes (take aspirin first) or 8 hours.
- Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban): Significantly increased bleeding risk. Consult your doctor.
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs (lisinopril, losartan): Reduced blood pressure control and increased kidney risk.
- Diuretics (furosemide): Reduced diuretic effectiveness and increased kidney injury risk.
- Lithium: Advil can increase lithium levels, risking lithium toxicity.
- Methotrexate: Increased methotrexate toxicity. Requires close medical monitoring.
Advil Dosage Calculator
Use this tool to estimate a weight-based dose. This is for reference only and does not replace advice from a healthcare provider.
Dosage Calculator
Estimate a weight-based dose for reference purposes only.
Important: This calculator provides rough estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing, especially for children, elderly patients, or individuals with medical conditions. If you are ill, seek medical attention immediately.
Detailed Dosage Guides
Explore our in-depth advil dosage guides for specific populations and use cases:
Frequently Asked Questions About Advil
Sources & References
- 1.Advil Official Website - Product InformationAccessed 2025-01-15
- 2.FDA - Ibuprofen Drug Facts LabelAccessed 2025-01-15
- 3.Mayo Clinic - Ibuprofen (Oral Route)Accessed 2025-01-15
- 4.Cleveland Clinic - Ibuprofen TabletsAccessed 2025-01-15
- 5.NIH - DailyMed Advil LabelAccessed 2025-01-15