Ibuprofen: How to Take It Safely and Protect Your Stomach
November 5, 2026 · 2 min read
Ibuprofen works well for pain and fever, but it does not suit everyone. Here is the adult dose, how to take it, and who should ask first.
Ibuprofen is a pain reliever of the NSAID group, short for non steroidal anti inflammatory drug. It is often used for headaches, toothache, period pain, muscle pain, and fever. Because it is easy to buy, ibuprofen is often taken without much thought to the rules. Yet it has limits and cautions worth knowing.
The adult dose
According to the NHS, for adults:
- 200 mg tablets or capsules: take 1 or 2, up to 3 times a day if you are still in pain. No more than 6 tablets, or 1,200 mg, in 24 hours.
- 400 mg tablets or capsules: take 1, up to 3 times a day. No more than 3 tablets, or 1,200 mg, in 24 hours.
- Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Take it with water, ideally with or after food. Do not take ibuprofen for pain for more than 10 days unless a doctor advises it.
Who should ask first
The NHS says ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone. Check with a doctor or pharmacist first if you:
- Have had an allergy to ibuprofen, aspirin, or another NSAID.
- Have or have had a stomach ulcer.
- Have asthma, or allergies such as hay fever.
- Have chickenpox.
- Have a heart, liver, or kidney condition.
- Have a blood clotting problem, or have had a stroke.
- Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Stomach side effects
Common side effects include indigestion, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation.
More serious and rare are stomach ulcers or bleeding in the gut. Signs are stomach pain, vomiting blood, or black, sticky, tar like poo. If you notice signs like these, get medical help straight away.
Take care with other medicines
- Do not take ibuprofen with other NSAIDs such as naproxen or aspirin, as this raises the risk of stomach ulcers.
- Ibuprofen may not mix well with blood thinners such as warfarin, steroids, antidepressants, and blood pressure medicines.
- Paracetamol can be taken at the same time if needed.
- Limit alcohol, as it can increase side effects.
If you take other medicines regularly, ask a Coapotek pharmacist before choosing a pain reliever.
Sources
- NHS. Ibuprofen for adults.