Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen) belongs to a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like Celecoxib, which are indicated for a wide range of conditions including:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen) can be taken orally as immediate-release medicines or modified-release medicines. It can be taken with food if it causes indigestion or stomach irritation. Your doctor may also prescribe ibuprofen with a H2 blocker like Famotidine or a proton pump inhibitor like Omeprazole to reduce stomach upset.
If you use immediate-release medicines (tablets or liquid for children), dosage for specific age groups is as follows:
Adults / Children 12-17 years: 300-400 mg 3-4 times daily, then increase to 600 mg 4 times daily if necessary; Maintenance dose: 200-400 mg 3 times daily
Child 3-5 months: 50 mg 3 times daily, up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg daily in 3-4 divided doses
Child 6-11 months: 50 mg 3-4 times daily, up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg daily in 3-4 divided doses
Child 1-3 years: 100 mg 3 times daily, up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg daily in 3-4 divided doses
Child 4-6 years: 150 mg 3 times daily, up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg daily in 3-4 divided doses
Child 7-9 years: 200 mg 3 times daily, up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg daily or 2.4 g in 3-4 divided doses
Child 10-11 years: 300 mg 3 times daily, up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg daily or 2.4 g in 3-4 divided doses
Note: sustained release (SR) forms of ibuprofen are usually taken 2 times per day (every 12 hours).
Like all NSAIDS, the main side effects of Ibuprofen are indigestion, nausea, bleeding gastric ulcer and allergic reaction. With long-term use, Ibuprofen can cause kidney injury, bleeding and increase the risk of a cardiovascular event.
Do not use more than one product containing NSAIDs at the same time.
Common dosing schedule:
Ibuprofen can be taken with or after a meal to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Ibuprofen may interact:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medicine which can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Ibuprofen in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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