Can i take more than one advil for faster relief?

How many Advil pills can you take before it's too much?

Taking multiple Advil pills at once is generally not recommended, as it can lead to adverse effects and increase the risk of overdose. According to the manufacturer's instructions, the maximum dosage of Advil (ibuprofen) is 800 milligrams (mg) every 6 hours. However, some studies have shown that even taking the recommended dose can cause issues in susceptible individuals [1].

Taking more than one Advil pill can lead to an accumulation of ibuprofen in the body, which may cause:

1. Increased risk of bleeding: Ibuprofen can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding, especially when taken in high doses or for extended periods.
2. Kidney strain: Taking multiple Advil pills can put a strain on the kidneys, particularly in people with pre-existing kidney problems.
3. Liver damage: High doses of ibuprofen can cause liver damage, especially in people who consume alcohol or have pre-existing liver conditions.
4. Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions, such as itching, hives, or difficulty breathing, when taking multiple Advil pills.

What happens if I take more than the recommended dose?

Taking more than the recommended dose of Advil can lead to severe side effects, including:

1. Gastrointestinal bleeding: High doses of ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, and perforation.
2. Kidney failure: Taking excessive amounts of ibuprofen can cause kidney damage and even failure.
3. Liver failure: High doses of ibuprofen can cause liver damage, leading to liver failure in severe cases.
4. Respiratory problems: Taking multiple Advil pills can cause respiratory depression, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

What should you do instead?

If you're experiencing severe pain, consider the following alternatives:

1. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist: They can recommend alternative pain relief medications or treatments that may be more suitable for your needs.
2. Follow the recommended dosage: Adhere to the recommended dosage of Advil, and do not take more than the maximum dose of 800 mg every 6 hours.
3. Consider other pain relief options: There are other pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin, that may be safer and more effective for your specific needs.

References:

[1] https://www.drugs.com/sfx/ibuprofen-side-effects.html (last accessed on May 23, 2023) [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28935751 (last accessed on May 23, 2023)

Sources:

* (1) Drugs.com: Ibuprofen Side Effects
* (2) National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): Ibuprofen overdose: A review of the literature