February 9, 2010
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Drug Factsheets

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Advil

(ibuprofen)

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

01933531 ADVIL IBUPROFEN CAPLET 200MG
02230541 ADVIL GEL-CAPLET
02241769 ADVIL LIQUI-GELS
01933558 ADVIL IBUPROFEN 200MG TABLET
02248231 ADVIL EXTRA STRENGTH LIQUI-GELS
02244577 ADVIL EXTRA STRENGTH CAPLETS

How does Advil work? What will it do for me?

Ibuprofen belongs to the class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain accompanied by inflammation. It can be used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can also help relieve pain from menstrual cramps, headaches, muscular aches and pain, and dental pain. Ibuprofen can also relieve fevers. In children under 12, ibuprofen is used for fever and pain due to colds, sore throat, immunization, and earache.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.

How should I use Advil?

The recommended adult dose of ibuprofen for mild to moderate pain and inflammation or menstrual cramps is 400 mg with food or milk, repeated as required every four to six hours. The maximum daily dose is 2,400 mg.

For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the usual starting dose is 1,200 mg daily with food or milk, divided into three or four equal doses. The dose can be adjusted upward or downward depending on the response, but the daily dose should not exceed 2,400 mg. Once the best relief has been obtained, the dose is usually reduced to 800 mg to 1,200 mg daily with food or milk, taken in divided doses.

The dose of ibuprofen for children is based on body weight. Ibuprofen pediatric suspension is often used for young children and for adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Always shake the suspension well before using. Acetaminophen should not be used at the same time as ibuprofen for relief of fevers.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as the severity of the condition, body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. A common side effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen is stomach upset. This can be minimized by taking the medication immediately after a meal, or with food or milk. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Advil come in?

Tablets/Caplets (Sugar-coated)
Each brown, sugar-coated tablet/caplet contains ibuprofen 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acetylated monoglyceride, beeswax, carnauba wax, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, ethoxyethanol, iron oxides, lecithin, microcrystalline cellulose, parabens, pharmaceutical glaze, pharmaceutical shellac, povidone, pregelatinized starch, silicon dioxide, simethicone, sodium benzoate, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, sucrose and titanium dioxide.

Gel Caplets
Each beige brown, gelatin-coated gel-caplet contains ibuprofen 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Red No.40, FD&C Yellow No.6, gelatin, glycerin, hypromellose, iron oxides, medium chain triglycerides, pregelatinized starch, propyl gallate, propylene glycol, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide and triacetin.

Liqui-Gels
Each green, transparent, gelatin capsule contains ibuprofen 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C Green No.3, gelatin, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbitan, sorbitol and titanium dioxide.

Extra Strength Caplets
Each brown film-coated caplet contains ibuprofen 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxides, lecithin, pharmaceutical shellac, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, silicon dioxide, simethicone, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, talc and titanium dioxide.

Extra Strength Liqui-Gels
Each yellow, transparent, gelatin capsule contains ibuprofen 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, iron oxide, lecithin, medium chain triglycerides, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbitan and sorbitol.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Advil?

This medication should not be used by anyone who:

  • currently has or recently had an inflammatory disease of the stomach and intestines such as stomach or intestinal ulcer or ulcerative colitis
  • is currently taking other NSAIDs
  • is or may be allergic to ibuprofen or any of the ingredients of the medication
  • has had nasal polyps, bronchospastic reactivity to ASA, or an allergic reaction to ASA or any other anti-inflammatory medications
  • has systemic lupus erythematosus

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