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IBUPROFEN (eye BYOO proe fen) treats mild to moderate pain, inflammation, or arthritis. It may also be used to reduce fever. It belongs to a group of medications called NSAIDs.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Advil Children's, Advil Children's Fever, Children's Ibuprofen, ElixSure IB, Motrin, Motrin Children's, PediaCare Children's Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.
This medication comes in more than one strength. Make sure you are taking or giving the right dose of medication based on the strength that you have. Ask your care team if you have questions.
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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you take this medication on a regular basis, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
A painful sore throat or sore throat with high fevers, headaches, nausea, or vomiting may be signs of a serious infection. Call your health care provider if these symptoms occur. Do not use this medication for more than 2 days or give to children under 3 years of age unless your health care provider tells you to.
Do not take other medications that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medication. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many non-prescription medications contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Always read labels carefully.
This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your health care provider right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.
This medication does not prevent a heart attack or stroke. This medication may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase the longer you use this medication or if you have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, talk to your health care provider about using this medication.
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Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcohol-containing drinks.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Talk to your health care provider if you are pregnant before taking this medication. Taking this medication between weeks 20 and 30 of pregnancy may harm your unborn baby. Your health care provider will monitor you closely if you need to take it. After 30 weeks of pregnancy, do not take this medication.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.
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This medication may make it more difficult to get pregnant. Talk to your health care provider if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).
Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.