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Advil

Advil

(ibuprofen)

Advil (Ibuprofen) belongs to the class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to treat Fever and mild-to-moderate pain caused by inflammation.

Available form

Dosage

Caplet

400MG

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Advil information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended adult dose of Advil (Ibuprofen) is 200 mg to 400 mg every 6 to 8 hours as required. Extended-release tablets should be taken as 1 tablet (600 mg) every 12 hours. The maximum daily dose is 1,200 mg. Advil (Ibuprofen) available without a prescription should not be taken for more than 3 consecutive days for a fever or 5 consecutive days for pain unless advised by your doctor. The lowest dose for the shortest period of time should be used to reduce the risk of side effects.

The dose of Advil (Ibuprofen) for children is based on body weight and age. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for specific dosing information. Children should not take more than 40 mg per kilogram of body weight each day.

Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

Take Advil (Ibuprofen) with food or milk to minimize side effects such as heartburn and stomach upset. The suspension form should be shaken well before using.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as 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 important to take Advil (Ibuprofen) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Advil (Ibuprofen) at room temperature, protect it from heat and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

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.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Advil (Ibuprofen). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Advil (Ibuprofen) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Advil (Ibuprofen). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, or discomfort (mild to moderate)
Constipation
diarrhea
dizziness
heartburn
nausea
nervousness
trouble sleeping
vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

asthma symptoms (e.g., wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness)
blurred vision or vision changes
hearing problems (e.g., ringing in the ears)
itching or Hives
sensitivity to sunlight (Sunburn, blisters, skin rash, redness, itching, discoloration, or vision changes)
signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
skin rash
symptoms of urinary tract problems (e.g., bladder pain, pain when urinating, increased need to urinate, change in urine colour or odour or in the amount of urine)
swelling of feet or lower legs

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools, spitting up of blood, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
signs of a Heart Attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
signs of Stroke (e.g., sudden or severe headache; sudden loss of coordination; vision changes; sudden slurring of speech; or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg)
symptoms of an allergic reaction (hives; itching; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Advil (Ibuprofen).

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

Liqui-Gels
Each green, transparent, gelatin capsule contains 200 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C Green No. 3, gelatin, polyethylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, purified water, sorbitan, sorbitol, and titanium dioxide.

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

Advil Arthritis Pain
Each liquid-filled capsule contains 400 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, lecithin (soy), medium chain triglycerides, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, purified water, sorbitan, and sorbitol.

Advil Muscle and Joint Tablets
Each brown film-coated tablet contains 400 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxides, lecithin, pharmaceutical shellac, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, silicon dioxide, simethicone, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Extra Strength Liqui-Gels
Each colourless, oval capsule contains 400 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, iron oxide, lecithin, medium chain triglycerides, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbitan, and sorbitol.

Advil 12 Hour
Each white, film-coated, bi-layer tablet contains 600 mg Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical ink, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, and titanium dioxide.

Advil Pediatric Drops and Advil Pediatric Drops Fever from Colds or Flu (Suspension)

Dye-Free Grape Flavour
Each 5 mL of white-to-off-white suspension contains 200 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial flavours, citric acid, disodium EDTA, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, sucrose, and xanthan gum.

Fruit Flavor
Each 5 mL of translucent red suspension with sweet fruity odour contains 200 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial flavors, citric acid, disodium EDTA, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, sucrose, and xanthan gum.

Grape Flavor
Each 5 mL of translucent purple suspension with sweet fruity odour contains 200 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial flavors, citric acid, disodium EDTA, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose sorbitol, sucrose, and xanthan gum.

Children's Advil and Children's Advil Fever from Colds or Flu

Blue Raspberry Flavor
Each 5 mL of translucent blue suspension with sweet fruity odour contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial flavors, citric acid, disodium EDTA, FD&C Blue No. 1, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium citrate, sorbitol, sucrose, and xanthan gum.

Dye-free Grape Flavour
Each 5 mL of white-to-off-white suspension contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial flavors, citric acid, disodium EDTA, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, sucrose, water, and xanthan gum.

Dye-Free Berry Flavour
Each 5 mL of white-to-off-white, berry-flavoured, dye-free suspension contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, disodium EDTA, flavour, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium citrate, sorbitol, sucrose, water, and xanthan gum.

Dye-Free Bubble Gum Flavour
Each 5 mL of white-to-off-white, bubble gum-flavoured, dye-free suspension contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, disodium EDTA, flavour, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, sucrose, water, and xanthan gum.

Sugar-Free/Dye-Free Berry Flavour
Each 5 mL of white-to-off-white, bubble gum-flavoured, dye-free suspension contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose sodium, citric acid, disodium EDTA, flavour, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sorbitol, sucralose, water, and xanthan gum.

Fruit Flavor
Each 5 mL of translucent red suspension with sweet fruity odour contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial flavors, citric acid, disodium EDTA, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, sucrose, water, and xanthan gum.

Grape Flavor
Each 5 mL of translucent purple suspension with sweet fruity odour contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial flavors, citric acid, disodium EDTA, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, sucrose, water, and xanthan gum.

Advil Junior Strength Chewable Tablets and Advil Junior Strength Fever from Colds or Flu Chewable Tablets

Fruit Flavor
Each ½" round, mottled red, flat-faced, bevelled-edge tablet with "Advil 100" debossed on one side and a bisect on the other, contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame (contains phenylalanine), cellulose acetate phthalate, D&C Red No. 27 Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 Lake, gelatin, magnasweet, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, natural and artificial flavors, silicon dioxide, and sodium starch glycolate.

Grape Flavor
Each ½" round, mottled purple, flat-faced, bevelled-edge tablet with "Advil 100" debossed on one side and a bisect on the other, contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame (contains phenylalanine), cellulose acetate phthalate, D&C Red No. 30 Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, gelatin, magnasweet, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, natural and artificial flavors, silicon dioxide, and sodium starch glycolate.

Blue Raspberry Flavour
Each ½" round, mottled blue, flat-faced, bevelled-edge tablet with "Advil 100" debossed on one side and a bisect on the other contains 100 mg of Advil (Ibuprofen). Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame (contains phenylalanine), cellulose acetate phthalate, FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, gelatin, magnasweet, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, natural and artificial flavors, silicon dioxide, and sodium starch glycolate.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Advil (Ibuprofen).

HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY

June 8, 2021

Health Canada has issued new information concerning the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

A previous advisory on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was issued on October 30, 2020.

Allergy: Some people who are allergic to other anti-inflammatory medications also experience allergic reactions to Advil (Ibuprofen). Before you take Advil (Ibuprofen), inform your doctor or pharmacist about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially ASA or naproxen. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.

Bladder problems: Advil (Ibuprofen) may cause bladder pain, painful or difficult urination, or increased frequency of urination. If these symptoms occur without an explanation (e.g., infection), stop taking Advil (Ibuprofen) and contact your doctor.

Blood clotting: Advil (Ibuprofen) may reduce the ability of the blood to clot. If you are taking anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin) or have Hemophilia or other blood disorders (e.g., low platelets), discuss with your doctor how Advil (Ibuprofen) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Advil (Ibuprofen), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Blood pressure: Advil (Ibuprofen) may cause an increase in blood pressure, particularly for people who already have high blood pressure. If you are taking medications for blood pressure or are at risk of developing high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Advil (Ibuprofen) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Advil (Ibuprofen), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: Fluid retention and edema have been reported with use of Advil (Ibuprofen). Use Advil (Ibuprofen) with caution if you:

are recovering from a surgical operation under general anesthesia
have certain heart conditions (e.g., Congestive Heart Failure)
have high blood pressure
have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
have any other condition that might lead to fluid retention

Gastrointestinal problems: Stomach ulcers, perforation, and bleeding from the stomach have been known to occur during therapy with Advil (Ibuprofen). These complications can occur at any time and are sometimes severe enough to require immediate medical attention.

The risk of ulcers and bleeding increases for people taking higher doses of Advil (Ibuprofen) for longer periods of time. Stomach problems are also more likely to occur with alcohol use. Do not drink alcohol while taking Advil (Ibuprofen).

If you are prone to irritation of the stomach and intestines, particularly if you have had a stomach ulcer, bloody stools, diverticulosis, or other inflammatory disease of the stomach or intestines (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), discuss with your doctor how Advil (Ibuprofen) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Advil (Ibuprofen), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms or signs suggestive of stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach (black, tarry stools). These reactions can occur at any time without warning during treatment.

Heart attack and stroke: High doses of Advil (Ibuprofen) (2,400 mg or more per day) have been linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The risk is increased with higher total daily doses and taking the medication over long periods of time. If you have had a heart attack or stroke, or are at risk of a heart attack or stroke, discuss with your doctor how Advil (Ibuprofen) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Advil (Ibuprofen), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart disease: Advil (Ibuprofen) can cause fluid retention, which may make symptoms of congestive heart failure worse. If you have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Advil (Ibuprofen) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Advil (Ibuprofen), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you are taking low-dose ASA for heart health, discuss with your doctor whether you should use Advil (Ibuprofen).

Kidney function: Long-term use of Advil (Ibuprofen) may lead to a higher risk of reduced kidney function. This is most common for people who already have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure; for people who take diuretics (water pills); and for seniors.

If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Advil (Ibuprofen) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Advil (Ibuprofen), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

People with severely reduced kidney function and kidney disease should not take Advil (Ibuprofen).

Potassium levels: There is a risk of high levels of potassium in the blood for people who take NSAIDs, including Advil (Ibuprofen). People most at risk are seniors; those who have conditions such as Diabetes or kidney failure; and those taking beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., Ramipril), or some diuretics (water pills). If you experience unexplained nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness or tingling sensations, contact your doctor as these are possible symptoms of too much potassium in the blood.

Reduced alertness/dizziness: Advil (Ibuprofen) may cause drowsiness, dizziness or a sensation of spinning, any of which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Advil (Ibuprofen) affects you.

Pregnancy: Advil (Ibuprofen) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Advil (Ibuprofen), contact your doctor immediately. Advil (Ibuprofen), like other NSAIDs, must not be taken in the last 3 months of pregnancy.

Advil (Ibuprofen) may reduce your ability to become pregnant. Taking Advil (Ibuprofen) while trying to become pregnant is not recommended.

Breast-feeding: Advil (Ibuprofen) may pass into breast milk in small quantities. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Advil (Ibuprofen), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Seniors: Seniors appear to have a higher risk of side effects with Advil (Ibuprofen). The lowest effective dosage should be used under close medical supervision.

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