You should always follow the instructions on your medicine as well as the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
How much to take as a tablet, capsule, granule or liquid
The ibuprofen tablets or capsules contain 200mg, 400mg, or 600mg of ibuprofen. Tablets and capsules containing slow-release ibuprofen contain 200mg, 300mg, or 800mg. Ibuprofen is contained in each sachet of granules. You can take 200mg or 400mg of ibuprofen in 10ml of liquid form. Always check the label before taking the medicine.
As a rule of thumb, adults are usually prescribed one or two tablets or capsules of 200mg three times a day. If needed, your doctor might prescribe a higher dose of up to 600mg taken 4 times daily. Your doctor is the only person who can prescribe this higher dose.
The usual dose for adults taking granules is one sachet taken 2 or 3 times a day. In some cases, it may need to be taken more frequently.
It is best to leave at least 6 hours between doses of ibuprofen if you take it three times a day. At least 4 hours should pass between doses if you take it 4 times a day.
It is possible that your doctor may recommend slow-release ibuprofen tablets or capsules if you suffer from constant pain. These are usually taken twice a day or once a day in the evening. When taking ibuprofen twice a day, leave a gap of 10 to 12 hours between doses. Also visit Brufen.
Taking liquids, tablets, capsules and granules
Ibuprofen tablets or capsules may be swallowed whole with water, milk, or juice. Avoid chewing, breaking, crushing, or sucking them as this may irritate your mouth or throat.
If you have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, ibuprofen is also available as a tablet that melts in your mouth, as granules that you mix with a glass of water to make a drink, or as a tablet that you can swallow whole.
Putting the tablet on your tongue, allowing it to dissolve, and then swallowing it is the proper way to take the tablet that melts in your mouth. There is no need to drink any water.
You can make a fizzy drink with ibuprofen granules by emptying the contents of the sachet into a glass of water, stirring and drinking right away.
With a meal or snack, or a drink of milk, take ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules, or liquid. This will help you avoid stomach upset. Ibuprofen may take longer to start working if you take it just after food.
Taking it for how long
You may only need to take ibuprofen for a day or two if you are taking it for a short-lived pain, such as toothache or period pain.
In the case of long-term health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, you might need to take ibuprofen for longer periods of time.
You may need a medicine to protect your stomach from side effects if you need to take ibuprofen for more than 6 months.
Ibuprofen liquid, tablets, capsules, or granules should not be missed
If you forget to take ibuprofen as a regular medicine and it’s almost time for your next dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose as usual.
A forgotten dose should never be made up with a double dose.
A reminder alarm can help you remember to take your medications if you tend to forget them. Other ways to help you remember to take your medicine could also be discussed with your pharmacist.
