Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Advil, which contains ibuprofen, are commonly available without a prescription. However, in the United States, there is no federal limit on the amount of OTC medications like Advil that a consumer can purchase [1].
However, there are some exceptions to consider [2][3]. For example, in New York City, there is a limit of three packages (or bottles) per customer purchase for non-prescription pseudoephedrine products, which are often used to make methamphetamine [4].
In addition, some states have laws restricting the purchase of certain medications, like codeine or hydrocodone, which are often used to treat pain [5].
It's also worth noting that some retailers may impose their own purchasing limits, especially for high-risk medications or for purchases made using a single payment method [1].
The FDA does recommend that consumers not exceed the recommended dose of OTC medications [6].
For the most up-to-date information on purchasing limits for Advil or any other medication, it's best to check with the relevant state or local authorities, or consult with a healthcare professional.
Sources:
1. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/over-counter-drug-purchasing-limits
2. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/faq.htm#q-17
3. https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling
4. https://www1.nyc.gov/sites/doh/about/oversight/oversight-guidelines-publications.page
5. https://www.dea.gov/pubs/sub/sched_i-c.pdf
6. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/over-counter-drug-purchasing-limits