Advil

ibuprofen

Advil (ibuprofen) belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include aspirin, naproxen and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Pain, fever, and inflammation are promoted by the release in the body of chemicals called prostaglandins. Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced.

What is Advil?

Advil works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Basically Advil is used for the treatment of all kinds of pain in the body. Along with this Advil may also be used for reducing fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Advil is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury. Advil in general is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout.

Before taking Advil

Some medical conditions may interact with Advil. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal product, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers, persistent or returning stomach pain or heartburn)
• if you have a history of swelling or fluid buildup, lupus, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), or mouth inflammation
• if you have high blood pressure, blood disorders, bleeding or clotting problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), or blood vessel disease, or if you are at risk for any of these diseases
• if you are dehydrated or have low fluid volume (eg, caused by diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking fluids)
• if you have poor health or low blood sodium levels, you drink alcohol, or you have a history of alcohol abuse

How should I take Advil?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If repeat doses are needed, they are usually given 6 or 8 hours apart; or as directed by your doctor. When ibuprofen is used in children, the dose is based on your child's weight.

Since Advil is sometimes taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Advil side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. More common side effects: abdominal pain, acid or sour stomach, belching, diarrhea, excess air or gas in stomach or intestines, heartburn, indigestion, itching skin, pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, weight gain. Less common side effecets: abdominal cramps, stomach soreness or discomfort.

Precautions

You may get drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ibuprofen affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from ibuprofen.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor). Taking any of these drugs with Advil may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Advil. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Preganacy

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm and interference with normal labor/delivery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Advil overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Advil. If you have any other questions about Advil, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.