Written by Sonia Amin Thomas, PharmD, BCOP | Reviewed by Joshua Murdock, PharmD Published on June 13, 2022
Key takeaways:
- Advil (ibuprofen) is an affordable over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever and fever reducer available in many different formulations. Motrin is another well-known brand name for ibuprofen.
- Advil has a risk of long-term side effects, such as stomach ulcers and a higher risk of heart attacks. But using it properly at recommended doses can help lower the risk of these complications.
- The dose of Advil and the length of time you use it can affect your risk of side effects. Other health conditions you may have and medications you may take can also raise your risk.
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Advil (ibuprofen) is a commonly used fever reducer and pain reliever. Ibuprofen comes in multiple forms and is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. Motrin is another well-known brand name of ibuprofen.
Since Advil is readily accessible at pharmacies and other retailers, it’s best to be aware of its potential risks. There are both short and long-term side effects that can happen. Some of these side effects can be harmful or cause serious consequences. There are also certain medications and health conditions that can raise the risk of serious side effects.
Here, we’ll discuss both common and more serious Advil side effects. We’ll also talk about when you should speak with a healthcare provider about them.
What is Advil?
Advil belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The brand name Advil is only available as an OTC medication. So throughout this article, if we use the word “Advil,” we’re specifically referring to the OTC form of ibuprofen.
Advil is commonly used for:
- Headaches
- Fever
- Minor muscle aches
- Dental pain
- Back pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Arthritis pain
- Aches and pains caused by the common cold
Ibuprofen also comes at higher strengths as a prescription-only medication. This version of ibuprofen is FDA-approved to treat mild to moderate pain. It’s also approved to treat pain due to:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods)
The recommended dose of Advil for adults and children, ages 12 and older, is 200 mg to 400 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours, as needed. But you shouldn’t take more than 1,200 mg in a 24-hour period.
The dose of Advil for children between ages 2 and 11 varies based on their age and weight, but a recommended dose can be found on a product’s OTC drug facts label. Contact your child’s healthcare provider about using Advil first if your child is under 2 years old. They’ll be able to give you a safe dose based on your child’s age, weight, and symptoms.
Advil is meant to be used as a short-term medication. It shouldn’t be taken for pain for longer than 10 days at a time, or for fever for more than 3 days. If you feel you need it longer than that, you should consult a healthcare provider.
How does it work for pain and fever?
Advil works by stopping the body from making substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are linked to inflammation (swelling) and fever in the body. By blocking the body from making prostaglandins, Advil can help relieve both pain and fever.
8 Advil side effects you should know about
Advil has some common side effects, as well as some serious ones. The side effects discussed here aren’t the only ones possible. So be sure to discuss the risks of Advil with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before picking up a bottle at the pharmacy.
1. Nausea
Nausea is a common stomach-related Advil side effect. In clinical trials, between 3% and 9% of people taking prescription-strength ibuprofen experienced nausea.
2. Heartburn
Heartburn is also common when taking Advil. Between 3% and 9% of people experienced heartburn while taking prescription-strength ibuprofen in clinical trials.
3. Stomach pain
Stomach pain after taking Advil may go hand-in-hand with other stomach-related side effects. Similar to the side effects above, between 3% and 9% of people experienced stomach pain in clinical trials.
4. Dizziness
Dizziness is also common with Advil. Like those mentioned above, between 3% and 9% of people taking prescription-strength ibuprofen in studies reported dizziness.
5. High blood pressure
High blood pressure is a possible long-term side effect of Advil. While blood pressure changes are typically small, it can still be a worrisome side effect. Some studies have shown that it’s possible to develop hypertension (chronic high blood pressure) when taking Advil long term.
If you already have high blood pressure, you should speak with your healthcare provider before taking Advil.
6. Kidney damage
Taking Advil for a long period of time can potentially lead to kidney damage. This risk is higher for people over the age of 60, and for those with chronic kidney disease. Thankfully, this side effect is usually reversible once you stop taking Advil.
7. Stomach ulcers or bleeding
Advil can also cause stomach ulcers or bleeding. The risk of this serious side effect is much higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers. The risk is also higher for:
- Older adults
- People who take blood thinners or corticosteroids
- People who drink three or more alcoholic beverages per day
- People who take high doses of ibuprofen or take it for a long period of time
8. Higher risk of heart attacks
NSAIDs, including Advil, are linked to a higher risk of heart attacks. This risk goes up with higher doses of ibuprofen and long-term use. It’s best to check with your healthcare provider before starting a regular Advil regimen. And if you have heart disease, you should ask your provider before taking any NSAIDs — even for short-term use.
What can I do to manage Advil side effects?
Most mild Advil side effects, like nausea or heartburn, should go away on their own. Taking your doses with food may help limit or prevent these stomach-related side effects. If they become too bothersome, you should speak with your healthcare provider to see if there’s an alternative medication you could take.
When should I contact my healthcare provider about Advil side effects?
You should contact your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing signs of any of the following:
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Nausea and vomiting that doesn’t go away
- Redness or severe rashes
- Bloody or black stools
Some symptoms can be a sign of potentially life-threatening problems. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if any of the following occur:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the face, mouth, or neck
- Slurred speech
You should also reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve been using Advil for 10 days for pain, or 3 days for fever. Advil may not be the best medication for your symptoms.
The bottom line
Advil is a common OTC pain reliever. But the fact that it’s available without a prescription doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. There are a number of common Advil side effects, including nausea, dizziness, and stomach pain. But more serious complications, like kidney damage, are also possible.
The length of time and dose of Advil may raise your risk of more serious side effects. Certain health conditions and other medications can also raise these risks. Therefore, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking Advil, especially if you’re wondering whether using it regularly is right for you.
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