Advil

Purpose of Advil

Advil is a non-prescription pain reliever.  Advil helps relieve minor aches and pains due to:

  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • backache
  • minor arthritis pain
  • common cold
  • toothache
  • menstrual cramps and pain
  • temporarily reduces fever

Advil is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).  Advil works by blocking the effects of a specific enzyme to produce pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, and anti-blood clotting properties.

Advil Active Ingredients

Advil (tablets, caplets, gel caplets)

ibuprofen 200 mg (NSAID)*

Advil Liqui-Gels

ibuprofen 200 mg (NSAID)*

Advil Migraine

ibuprofen 200 mg (NSAID)*

- present as the free acid and potassium salt

Advil PM caplets

ibuprofen 200 mg (NSAID)*

diphenhydramine 38 mg

Advil PM Liqui-Gels

ibuprofen 200 mg (NSAID)*

diphenhydramine 25 mg

*non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

 

 

Advil Inactive Ingredients

Advil (tablets, caplets, gel caplets)

tablets

acetylated monoglycerides, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, methylparaben, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, pharmaceutical ink, povidone, pregelatinized starch, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, sucrose, synthetic iron oxide, titanium dioxide, white wax

caplets
acetylated monoglycerides, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, methylparaben, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, pharmaceutical ink, povidone, pregelatinized starch, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, sucrose, synthetic iron oxide, titanium dioxide, white wax

gel caplets
colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C red no. 40, FD&C yellow no. 6, fractionated coconut oil, gelatin, glycerin, hypromellose, pharmaceutical ink, pregelatinized starch, propyl gallate, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, synthetic iron oxides, titanium dioxide, triacetin

Advil Liqui-Gels

coconut oil*, FD&C green no. 3, gelatin, lecithin*, light mineral oil*, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, purified water, sorbitan, sorbitol

*may contain this ingredient

Advil Migraine

D&C yellow #10, FD&C green #3, FD&C red #40, gelatin, light mineral oil, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, purified water, sorbitan, sorbitol

Advil PM caplets

calcium stearate, carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C blue no. 2 aluminum lake, glyceryl behenate, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical ink, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide

Advil PM Liqui-Gels

D&C red #33, FD&C blue no. 1, fractionated coconut oil, gelatin, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, purified water, sorbitan, sorbitol

 

Advil Warnings

Advil (tablets, caplets, gel caplets), Advil Liqui-Gels

Allergy alert:

Advil may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin.  Symptoms may include:

  • hives
  • facial swelling
  • asthma (wheezing)
  • shock
  • skin reddening
  • rash
  • blisters

If allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

Stomach bleeding warning:

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may cause stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:

  • are older than 60 years of age
  • have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
  • take a blood thinner(anticoagulant) or steroid medication
  • take other NSAID medications
    • if you are unsure if you are taking an NSAID, consult a physician or pharmacist
  • drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day
  • fail to take the medication as directed

Do not use:

  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer
  • right before or after heart surgery

Consult a physician before use if:

  • the stomach bleeding warning applies to you
  • you have liver disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, history of stomach bleeding/ulcers, any stomach problem including heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease or asthma
  • you are taking a diuretic
  • you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers
  • any other drug containing an NSAID (prescription or nonprescription)
  • a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
  • a prescription drug for diabetes, gout, or arthritis
  • you are taking an aspirin product for heart attack or stroke, as Advil products can decrease the benefit of aspirin
  • you are taking any other drug
  • you are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition

When using this product:

  • take with food or milk if upset stomach occurs
  • the risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if you use more than directed or for longer than directed

Stop use and consult a physician if:

  • an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention immediately
  • you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding:
    • feel faint
    • vomit blood
    • have bloody or black stools
    • have stomach pain that does not get better
  • ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs
  • painful area is red or swollen
  • your pain lasts for more than 10 days
  • fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
  • any new symptoms appear
  • you have difficulty swallowing
  • if it feels like tablet/capsule is stuck in your throat

These could be signs of a serious condition.

If pregnant or breast-feeding consult a physician before use.  It is especially important to not use ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless under a physician's direct supervision.  Ibuprofen use in the last 3 months of pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of complications for the unborn child as well as during labor and delivery.

Keep out of reach of children

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

Advil Migraine

Allergy alert:

Advil may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin.  Symptoms may include:

  • hives
  • facial swelling
  • asthma (wheezing)
  • shock
  • skin reddening
  • rash
  • blisters

If allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

Stomach bleeding warning:

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may cause stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:

  • are older than 60 years of age
  • have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
  • take a blood thinner(anticoagulant) or steroid medication
  • take other NSAID medications
    • if you are unsure if you are taking an NSAID, consult a physician or pharmacist
  • drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day
  • fail to take the medication as directed

Do not use:

  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer
  • right before or after heart surgery

Consult a physician before use if:

  • you have never had a migraine diagnosed by a healthcare professional
  • you have a headache that is different from your usual migraines
  • you have the worst headache of your life
  • you have a migraine so severe that you require bed rest
  • you have a fever and a stiff neck
  • you have headaches beginning after or caused by a head injury, exertion, coughing or bending
  • you have experienced your first headache after the age of 50
  • you suffer from daily headaches
  • you have liver disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, history of stomach bleeding/ulcers, any stomach problem including heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease or asthma
  • you are taking a diuretic
  • you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers
  • you are taking an aspirin product for heart attack or stroke, as Advil products can decrease the benefit of aspirin
  • you are taking any other drug
  • you are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition

When using this product:

  • take with food or milk if upset stomach occurs
  • the risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if you use more than directed or for longer than directed

Stop use and consult a physician if:

  • an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention immediately
  • you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding:
    • feel faint
    • vomit blood
    • have bloody or black stools
    • have stomach pain that does not get better
  • ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs
  • migraine pain is not relieved or gets worse after first dose
  • any new symptoms appear

If pregnant or breast-feeding consult a physician before use.  It is especially important to not use ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless under a physician's direct supervision.  Ibuprofen use in the last 3 months of pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of complications for the unborn child as well as during labor and delivery.

Keep out of reach of children

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

Advil PM Caplets and Liqui-Gels

Allergy alert:

Ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin.  Symptoms may include:

  • hives
  • facial swelling
  • asthma (wheezing)
  • shock
  • skin reddening
  • rash
  • blisters

If allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

Stomach bleeding warning:

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may cause stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:

  • are older than 60 years of age
  • have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
  • take a blood thinner(anticoagulant) or steroid medication
  • take other NSAID medications
  • if you are unsure if you are taking an NSAID, consult a physician or pharmacist
  • drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day
  • fail to take the medication as directed

Do not use:

  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer
  • right before or after heart surgery
  • unless you have time for a full night’s sleep
  • in children under 12 years of age
  • with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on the skin
  • if you have problems sleeping without pain

Consult a physician before use if:

  • you have liver disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, history of stomach bleeding/ulcers, history of  stomach problem including heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease or asthma
  • you are taking a diuretic
  • you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers
  • you have a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
  • you have glaucoma
  • you have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
  • you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers, or any other sleep aid
  • any other drug containing an NSAID (prescription or nonprescription)
  • taking any other antihistamines
  • you are taking an aspirin product for heart attack or stroke, as Advil products can decrease the benefit of aspirin
  • you are taking any other drug
  • you are under a doctor’s care for any medical condition

When using this product:

  • drowsiness will occur
  • avoid alcoholic beverages
  • do not drive motor vehicles or machinery
  • take with food or milk if upset stomach occurs
  • the risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if you use more than directed or for longer than directed

Stop use and consult a physician if:

  • an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention immediately
  • you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding:
    • feel faint
    • vomit blood
    • have bloody or black stools
    • have stomach pain that does not get better
  • ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs
  • painful area is red or swollen
  • pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days
  • any new symptoms appear
  • sleeplessness continues for longer than 2 weeks.  Insomnia may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical illness
  • you have difficulty swallowing
  • if feels like tablet/capsule is stuck in your throat

These could be signs of a serious condition.

If pregnant or breast-feeding consult a physician before use.  It is especially important to not use ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless under a physician's direct supervision.  Ibuprofen use in the last 3 months of pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of complications for the unborn child as well as during labor and delivery.

Keep out of reach of children

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

 

Advil Directions

Advil (tablets, caplets, gel caplets)

adults and children 12 years and older

  • 1 tablet/caplet every 4-6 hours while symptoms last
  • if pain or fever doesn’t respond to 1 tablet/caplet, increase to 2 tablets/caplets may be used
  • do not exceed 6 tablets/caplets (1200 mg) in 24 hours unless directed by a physician

children under 12 years of age: consult a physician

Advil Migraine

adults 18 years and older

  • take 3 capsules with a glass of water
  • if symptoms persist or worsen, consult a physician

under 18 years of age: consult a physician

Advil PM Caplets, Advil PM Liqui-Gels

adults and children 12 years and over

  • take 2 caplets/liqui-gels at bedtime
  • do not take more than 2 capsules in 24 hours

children under 12 years of age: do not take

 

 

Advil Pediatric Use

Advil (tablets, caplets, gel caplets)

  • children under 12 years of age: consult a physician

Advil Migraine

  • under 18 years of age: consult a physician

Advil PM Caplets, Advil PM Liqui-Gels

  • children under 12 years of age: do not take

Keep out of reach of children

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

 

Other Information About Advil

Advil (tablets, caplets, gel caplets), Advil Liqui-Gels, Advil Migraine, Advil PM caplets, Advil PM Liqui-Gels

  • each dose contains: sodium 20 mg*
  • read all warnings and directions before use. Keep carton.
  • protect from light**
  • store at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F)
  • avoid high humidity and excessive heat above 40°C (104°F)

*Advil Liqui-Gels, Advil Migraine and Advil PM Liqui-Gels  only

**Advil PM Caplets and Advil PM Liqui-Gels only

 

Share this story:

Reviewed by: 
Andrew Berg, Pharm.D
Review Date: 
January 11, 2013

Last Updated:
January 11, 2013