Ibuprofen - Missed or extra doses of ibuprofen
- Introduction
- Special considerations
- Side effects of ibuprofen
- Interactions with other medicines
- Missed or extra doses of ibuprofen
- Names
Take ibuprofen as directed on the packet or patient information leaflet, or as recommended by your GP or pharmacist.
Missed doses
If you forget to take your dose of ibuprofen, check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. You may be able to take the missed dose when you remember, or you may need to miss it out completely.
Doses of ibuprofen are usually taken three or four times a day. Make sure you leave the recommended time between doses and do not exceed the maximum dose for a 24-hour period.
Extra doses
If you accidentally take an extra dose of ibuprofen, miss out the next dose so you are not taking more than the recommended maximum dose for a 24-hour period. If you feel unwell or you are concerned, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
If you have taken more than your recommended daily dose of ibuprofen, contact your GP or call NHS 111. If you have taken a large overdose, go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately.
Taking too much ibuprofen can cause:
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting (being sick)
- epigastric pain (pain in the upper part of your tummy)
- tinnitus (the perception of noise in one ear, both ears or in your head, when the noise comes from inside your body rather than from an outside source)
Further advice
If you need further advice about missed or extra doses of ibuprofen, contact your GP or pharmacist, or call NHS 111.
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