How to Take Motrin: Side Effects, Dosage
How to take Motrin (ibuprofen): recommended dosages, common side effects, interactions, and precautions for use.
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Reviewed by:
Updated Feb, 15
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Information sourced from FDA-approved prescribing information and peer-reviewed medical references.
How to Take Motrin
How to Take Motrin (Ibuprofen)
Per OTC labeling, Motrin should be taken with food or a snack to reduce stomach irritation. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with your treatment goals.
Adults and Teens (12+ years)
- Per OTC labeling, the typical adult dose is: 200–400 mg every 6 hours as needed.
- Per OTC labeling, do not exceed: 1200 mg in 24 hours unless directed by a physician.
- Per OTC labeling, swallow tablets with water.
Children (6 months–11 years)
Per OTC labeling, dose is based on weight: 10 mg per kg of body weight per dose, every 6–8 hours.
- 6–11 lbs (3–5 kg): 20–25 mg per dose (infant drops).
- 12–17 lbs (5–8 kg): 50 mg per dose.
- 18–23 lbs (8–11 kg): 75 mg per dose.
- 24–35 lbs (11–16 kg): 100 mg per dose.
- 36–47 lbs (16–21 kg): 150 mg per dose.
- 48–59 lbs (21–27 kg): 200 mg per dose.
- 60–71 lbs (27–32 kg): 250 mg per dose.
- 72–95 lbs (32–43 kg): 300 mg per dose.
Per OTC labeling, do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
General Tips
- Per OTC labeling, use a proper measuring syringe or cup for liquid forms.
- Per OTC labeling, avoid taking with other products containing ibuprofen.
- Maintain adequate hydration while using Motrin.
Warnings Before Taking Motrin
Per OTC labeling, do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
Per OTC labeling, use caution with a history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding.
Per OTC labeling, check with your doctor if you have kidney, heart, or liver disease.
Per OTC labeling, ask before use during pregnancy or if taking blood thinners, corticosteroids, or other NSAIDs.
Motrin Side Effects
Common
mild
Stomach Upset
Per OTC labeling, Motrin can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea, mild stomach pain, or indigestion, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
2–4 hours
Common
mild
Heartburn
Per OTC labeling, ibuprofen may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat due to its effects on gastric acid and the stomach lining.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–3 hours
Uncommon
mild
Dizziness
Per OTC labeling, some people notice lightheadedness or dizziness with ibuprofen use.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
30 minutes–2 hours
Uncommon
moderate
Headache
Per OTC labeling, headache — including medication-overuse headache with frequent use — has been reported with ibuprofen.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–3 hours
Uncommon
mild
Fluid Retention
Per OTC labeling, a small number of people may experience mild swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles due to fluid retention with NSAID use.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
Several hours (usually less than 12)
Rare
rare
Ringing in the Ears
Per OTC labeling, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) has been reported with ibuprofen use. Discontinue use and consult a clinician if this occurs.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–2 hours
Contact Us for a Personalized Care Plan
Have questions about compounding? Contact Voshell's Pharmacy — we prepare patient-specific medications pursuant to valid prescriptions from your licensed prescriber.
What If You Forgot to Take Motrin
What If You Forgot to Take Motrin?
Per OTC labeling, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember as long as it is not close to your next scheduled dose. If the next dose is approaching, skip the missed one and return to your usual timing.
Per OTC labeling, do not double up to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you take Motrin only as needed, take it when symptoms return, following label dosing instructions.
Contact your clinician or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.
What If You Took Too Much Motrin
If You Accidentally Took Too Much Motrin
Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Per prescribing information, ibuprofen overdose may cause GI bleeding, kidney injury, and other serious effects.
- Do not take additional doses until you have spoken with Poison Control or a clinician.
- If symptoms such as vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, decreased urination, severe stomach pain, or signs of allergic reaction occur, seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Keep this and all medications out of reach of children.
How Much Does Motrin Cost
How Much Does Motrin Cost with Insurance?
With most insurance plans, the cost for prescription-strength ibuprofen varies by plan design, tier placement, and whether generic ibuprofen is dispensed. Coverage details depend on your specific plan's formulary. Contact your insurer or pharmacist for current estimated out-of-pocket costs.
How Much Does Motrin Cost without Insurance
Cost of Motrin Without Insurance
Ibuprofen is available as a generic over-the-counter product at most U.S. pharmacies. Prices vary by strength, package size, and retailer.
Smaller bottles (24–100 count, 200 mg tablets) are available at many retailers; prices vary.
Larger bottles (200–500 count) are typically available at lower per-unit cost.
Brand-name Motrin is generally priced higher than generic ibuprofen.
Contact your local pharmacy for current pricing. Prices are subject to change and vary by location.
Resources:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/017463s121,020832s018lbl.pdf
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route/description/drg-20070602
https://www.drugs.com/motrin.html
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8939020b-5e15-4d4d-a9c3-a0e12a1d52b0
