Warnings & Recalls for Advil
In 2005, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered all NSAID manufacturers to put a boxed warning in packages to inform patients of the increased possibility of
cardiovascular events and
gastrointestinal bleeding while using these medicines. If used in larger doses or for longer than instructed, Advil may
increase the risk of a
heart attack or
stroke.
Advil is listed in the FDA
pregnancy Category D, meaning that Advil
should not be taken by
pregnant women in the
final 3 months of pregnancy as it may
harm the fetus. It is not yet known if Advil may pass through the breast-milk to a baby.
Do not take Advil if you are currently taking
Aspirin to decrease the possibility of a
stroke or heart attack; Advil may interfere with Aspirin and leave patients
more susceptible to these risks.
Using
alcohol or
tobacco can
increase the possibility of
stomach bleeding while taking
Advil.
Advil can make you more
sensitive to sunlight; protect your skin by using sunblock or covering your skin while outside.
Before taking Advil,
tell your doctor if you:
- Are taking any antidepressants
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or may become pregnant
- Have taken or are taking blood thinners
- Are taking any other prescribed medicines
- Are allergic to any NSAIDs
- Have asthma
Advil Treatment and Use
Advil | Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine marketed by Pfizer to reduce inflammation and pain. Advil may be used in treating the following:
- Minor cases of arthritis
- Headaches or migraines
- Back, muscle and minor joint pain
- Pain caused by the flu or a cold
- Fever
- Menstrual cramps
- Toothaches
- Pain or inflammation caused by minor injuries
How Does Advil Work?
Advil eases pain and swelling by blocking prostaglandin cells, which are released during an injury, from signaling receptors in the brain. In doing so, the brain does not receive theses signs of pain as quickly or clearly, reducing the effects of pain in patients.
How Should I Take Advil?
Advil may be prepared as an oral suspension, chewable tablets, capsules, or oral drops; ask your doctor which form is right for you. For adults using Advil to treat pain or fever, 200mg or 400mg may be prescribed to be taken every 4 to 6 hours. For adults with arthritis, Advil may be prescribed as 300mg to 800mg doses 3 or 4 times per day. Take Advil with food to reduce the possibility of an upset stomach.
Doses of Advil should not exceed 800mg and patients should take no more than 3200mg of Advil each day.
If you are taking Advil oral suspension, be sure to use a proper measuring device and to shake the suspension before taking it.
Do not use Advil during the time of a heart bypass surgery.
Advil Dosage Information for Children Use
Advil may be given to children in 5mg/kg to 10 mg/kg doses every 4 to 6 hours. Children should not take more than 40mg/kg in 24 hours. For treating symptoms of juvenile arthritis, children should take 20mg/kg or 40mg/kg doses divided between 3 or 4 times each day.
To avoid stomach aches or nausea, Advil should be taken with a meal.
Serious Side Effects of Advil