Motrin IB (ibuprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down fever in both adults and children over 12.

  • Treats pain from headaches, muscle aches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
  • Reduces fever and treats minor aches caused by cold or flu
  • Works by blocking substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation

What are the Uses of Motrin Tablets?

Motrin IB provides fast and effective relief from a variety of common health issues by targeting inflammation.

Conditions Motrin IB Treats

  • Headaches and migraines
  • Muscle aches and back pain
  • Dental pain and post-procedural discomfort
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Arthritis-related joint pain
  • Fever caused by infections like cold or flu

Secondary Uses of Motrin IB

  • Minor injuries such as sprains or strains
  • Pain relief after minor surgeries

How Does Motrin Tablet Work (Mechanism of Action)?

Motrin IB works by targeting inflammation-causing substances in the body to reduce pain and fever quickly.

  • Ibuprofen blocks enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) responsible for producing prostaglandins
  • Prostaglandins are natural chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever
  • By reducing these, Motrin provides relief from swelling and discomfort

Dosage Instructions for Motrin IB

Dosage Form Strengths Available Common Use
Motrin Tablets 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg Pain relief, inflammation, fever
Motrin Oral Suspension (Liquid) 100 mg/5 mL, 50 mg/1.25 mL Often used in children for pain and fever
Motrin Caplets 200 mg Convenient alternative to tablets
Motrin Chewable Tablets 100 mg For children who have difficulty swallowing pills
Motrin Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 mL Specially formulated for infants

Proper dosage ensures maximum relief while minimizing side effects, always follow your doctor's advice.

How to Use Motrin?

  • For over-the-counter use: Follow all directions on the product package.
  • For prescription use: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before beginning treatment and when you get a refill.
  • Take orally every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters).
  • Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.
  • If stomach upset occurs, take with food, milk, or an antacid.
  • The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.
  • Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects.
  • For children, the dose is determined by weight.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Motrin?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose.
  • Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

What Happens in Case of an Overdose?

Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

Overdose Signs include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Trouble breathing

Get emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

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What Are the Side Effects of Motrin Tablets?

Like all medications, Motrin IB may cause side effects, most of which are mild, but some may need medical attention.

Common Side Effects of Motrin IB

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Cloudy urine
  • Decreased urine output
  • Diarrhea
  • Excess gas
  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • Itching skin
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Pale skin
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of face, fingers, and hands
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Weight gain

Serious Side Effects of Motrin IB

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Symptoms of kidney issues (like changes in how much you urinate)
  • Symptoms of liver problems (such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin)
  • Severe headache, dizziness, vision changes
  • Symptoms of heart failure (including swollen ankles or feet, unusual fatigue, or sudden/unexplained weight gain)

Precautions Before Taking Motrin

Certain conditions or habits may increase risks when using Motrin IB. Always consult your doctor beforehand.

  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms.
  • Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor instructs you.
  • Ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of aspirin taken to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol, which can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
  • Older adults may be more likely to experience stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, or stroke.
  • Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are of childbearing age, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Motrin IB?

Motrin is widely used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever, and is generally considered safe for adults and children over 12 years of age.

Younger children should only use pediatric formulations specifically designed for their age and weight, as recommended by a doctor.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

Combining Motrin (ibuprofen) with certain medications or supplements may lead to harmful interactions. Always consult your doctor before mixing treatments.

Products that may interact with Motrin include:

  • Aliskiren
  • ACE inhibitors (such as captopril and lisinopril)
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan and valsartan)
  • Cidofovir
  • Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
  • Lithium
  • Water pills (diuretics such as furosemide)

Taking this medication along with other drugs that increase bleeding risk can raise the chances of bleeding complications. Examples include antiplatelet drugs (such as clopidogrel) and "blood thinners" (such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin).

How Should Motrin IB Be Stored?

Correct storage keeps the medicine safe and effective for longer.

  • Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
  • Keep out of the bathroom.
  • Keep all medications out of the reach of children.

Motrin vs Advil

Motrin

  • An NSAID that lowers hormones causing inflammation and pain.
  • Used to treat pain from various conditions such as headaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, arthritis, fever, and minor aches and pains from the common cold or flu.
  • Prescribed for adults and children over 12.

Advil

  • An NSAID that works similarly by lowering hormones that cause inflammation and pain.
  • Used to treat pain and inflammation from various conditions, including headaches, toothaches, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and minor injuries.
  • Prescribed for adults and children over the age of two. Consult a doctor if your child is under two years old.

References

Evaluation of Ibuprofen (Motrin): A New Antirheumatic Agent
Ibuprofen: MedlinePlus Drug Information
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Frequently Asked Questions

Motrin can increase the risk of fatal heart attacks or strokes. It should not be used immediately before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Motrin, can also cause fatal stomach or intestinal bleeding.

Yes, Motrin can be hard on your stomach. Side effects may include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness.

Motrin should not be taken by individuals with conditions such as mastocytosis, clotting disorders, a higher risk of bleeding, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, or heart failure.

Do not take more than 1,200 mg of ibuprofen (Motrin) in a single day, which equates to a maximum of 6 pills per day for over-the-counter Motrin. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 10 days unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

Motrin (ibuprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the production of certain natural substances in the body that cause inflammation. This helps reduce swelling, pain, and fever.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like Motrin should not be used for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor. NSAIDs, including Motrin, can have side effects if used regularly.

While generally safe for short-term use, Motrin and other NSAIDs carry risks such as kidney failure, increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in high-risk individuals, and, rarely, liver failure. NSAIDs can also cause stomach ulcers and bleeding after surgery.

There is no significant difference. Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Motrin, and both Motrin and Advil (another brand of ibuprofen) are equally effective. They belong to the class of medications known as NSAIDs.

Yes, Motrin (ibuprofen) is generally better for inflammation because it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), unlike Tylenol (acetaminophen).

No, Motrin is not recommended for babies under 6 months unless specifically directed by a doctor. Always consult your pediatrician first.


Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.

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