Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Overview
Advil is a brand name for ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It relieves pain, lowers fever and reduces inflammation. In Canada, Advil comes as 200 mg tablets and caplets, 400 mg Extra Strength caplets, a 600 mg extended-release tablet (Advil 12 Hour) and children's products.
Ibuprofen is also sold under other brands and as store brands. Like all NSAIDs, it can irritate the stomach and affect the kidneys, heart and blood pressure, so the dose and how long you take it matter.
Advil is sold without a prescription in Canada. If your symptoms do not improve, or you are not sure it is safe for you, BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health.
In Canada, Advil is authorized for adults and children over 12 for the temporary relief of:
- Headache, including tension headache and mild to moderate migraine
- Minor aches and pains in muscles, bones and joints, including backache, sprains and strains
- Pain from the inflammation of arthritis
- Menstrual pain
- Toothache
- Aches and fever from colds and flu
Children's Advil products are authorized for fever and pain from colds or flu, sore throat, immunization and earache. Advil tablets and caplets are not for children under 12. Non-prescription ibuprofen is for short-term use unless a doctor directs otherwise.
Ibuprofen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
pain relief
Over-the-counter
Available
How Advil Works
Ibuprofen blocks the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. This lowers the body's production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, fever and inflammation.
Blood levels peak 1 to 2 hours after a dose. In dental pain studies, people taking 400 mg first noticed relief after a median of 24 to 48 minutes, and in a headache study 400 mg began to work within 30 minutes.
Dosage Instructions of Advil
Follow the package directions. The Canadian Advil monograph gives:
- Advil 200 mg tablets or caplets (adults and children 12 and over): 1 every 4 hours, or 2 every 6 to 8 hours, as needed. No more than 6 in 24 hours unless a doctor tells you to.
- Advil Extra Strength 400 mg (adults and children 12 and over): 1 caplet every 6 to 8 hours as needed. No more than 3 in 24 hours.
- Advil 12 Hour 600 mg (adults 18 and over only): 1 tablet every 12 hours as needed. No more than 2 in 24 hours, and never more than 1 at a time.
Take it with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Do not use it for more than 5 days for pain or 3 days for fever unless a doctor directs you to. Use the smallest dose for the shortest time.
Children under 12 should use Children's Advil and follow its package directions. For adults over 65, especially if frail, a lower starting dose should be considered.
Missed dose: take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Storage Instructions
Store Advil at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C, in a tightly closed container. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Side Effects of Advil
Most side effects involve the stomach and gut. In people taking ibuprofen at prescription doses, the Canadian monograph reports:
- Nausea, upper stomach pain and heartburn: 3% to 9%
- Dizziness: 3% to 9%
- Rash: 3% to 9%
- Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headache, ringing in the ears, itching and fluid retention: 1% to 3%
In a study of the maximum non-prescription dose (1,200 mg a day for 10 days), stomach and gut complaints were reported by 19% of people on ibuprofen and 16% on placebo.
Stop taking Advil and get medical help right away if you have:
- Blood in vomit, or bloody or black stools (signs of stomach bleeding)
- Hives, swelling, wheezing, chest tightness or trouble breathing
- A skin rash with reddening or blisters
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Pain or difficulty when urinating, or blood in the urine
- Any change in vision, or swelling from fluid retention
Important Safety Information About Advil
- Do not take Advil if you have an active or recurring stomach ulcer, bleeding in the stomach or gut, or active inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or colitis.
- Do not take it if you are allergic to ibuprofen, ASA or other NSAIDs, or if you have nasal polyps, or asthma, hives or other allergic reactions triggered by ASA or NSAIDs.
- Do not take it with ASA or other NSAIDs, right before or after heart surgery, if you are dehydrated from vomiting, diarrhea or lack of fluids, or if you have serious liver or kidney disease, lupus, severe high blood pressure or severe coronary artery disease.
- Stomach: ulcers and bleeding can happen at any time, with or without warning. The chance is higher if you are 60 or older, have had ulcers or bleeding, take a blood thinner or steroid, take another NSAID, or have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day.
- Heart and blood pressure: long-term continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Ask a doctor before use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or heart failure.
- Kidneys: the risk of kidney problems is higher in older adults and in people with kidney disease, heart failure or liver disease, or who take diuretics.
- Pregnancy: do not use Advil in the third trimester. From about 20 weeks, NSAIDs can affect the baby's kidneys and lower amniotic fluid, so use needs a doctor's monitoring. Talk to a doctor before using it earlier in pregnancy or while trying to conceive.
- Breastfeeding: very little ibuprofen passes into breast milk, but talk to a doctor first.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, glaucoma or a bleeding disorder, or are under a doctor's care for any serious condition.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take, including non-prescription products. The main interactions are:
- Daily low-dose ASA (81 to 325 mg): ibuprofen may interfere with its heart-protective effect. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using both.
- Other NSAIDs, such as naproxen, diclofenac or another ibuprofen product: do not combine, because side effects add up.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin, SSRI antidepressants and steroid tablets: higher risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding
- Blood pressure medicines and diuretics: ibuprofen can make diuretics work less well and add strain on the kidneys
- Lithium, methotrexate and digoxin: ibuprofen can raise their levels or toxicity
- Diabetes medicines and insulin: ibuprofen may increase the risk of low blood sugar
- Acetaminophen: using both is not advised because it may increase the risk of kidney side effects. Ask a pharmacist first.
Brands & DIN Number of Advil
Brand Names
Advil
Key Takeaways
- 1Advil is ibuprofen, an NSAID that relieves pain, fever and inflammation. It is sold without a prescription in Canada.
- 2For adults and children 12 and over, Advil 200 mg and 400 mg products allow no more than 1,200 mg in 24 hours unless a doctor directs otherwise.
- 3Advil 12 Hour (600 mg) is for adults 18 and over only.
- 4Do not use it for more than 5 days for pain or 3 days for fever without seeing a doctor.
- 5It can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. The risk is higher at 60 or older, with past ulcers, blood thinners, steroids or daily heavy drinking.
- 6Do not use Advil in the third trimester of pregnancy. Talk to a doctor before using it at any other stage.
- 7Do not combine Advil with ASA or other NSAIDs such as naproxen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for Advil in Canada?
How much Advil can I take in a day?
How much does Advil cost in Canada, and is it covered in BC?
Is Advil the same as ibuprofen?
How long does Advil take to work?
Can I take Advil with Tylenol (acetaminophen)?
Can I take Advil while pregnant?
When should I talk to a doctor?
Avee Editorial
Avee Editorial Team