What's your preferred dosage of advil?

Here are the general dosing guidelines for Advil (ibuprofen). If you have a specific product strength, use the label directions, and when in doubt check with a clinician.

- Adults (OTC ibuprofen)
- Typical dose: 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed
- Maximum: up to 1,200 mg per day (unless a doctor instructs you otherwise)
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
- Don’t exceed the labeled dose, and don’t take more often than every 4 hours

- Children (pediatric ibuprofen)
- Dosing is weight-based and given in a pediatric formulation
- Common guideline: 10 mg/kg per dose every 6–8 hours as needed
- Maximum: 40 mg/kg per day
- Use the syringe/dropper/tablet designed for kids and follow the product’s dosing chart

Important safety and timing notes
- Do not use if you’re allergic to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, have active serious stomach ulcers, significant kidney disease, or certain heart conditions unless advised by a clinician.
- Avoid ibuprofen in the last trimester of pregnancy unless advised by your obstetrician.
- Take with food to help lessen stomach irritation. Limit alcohol and avoid combining with other NSAIDs or anticoagulants unless a healthcare provider says it’s okay.
- If you have kidney disease, are taking blood thinners or certain antidepressants, or have charted GI problems, check with a clinician before using.

If you’d like, tell me your age (and weight for kids), whether you’re taking any other meds, and what you’re treating (pain, fever, etc.), and I can tailor a more specific dosing suggestion.