For over-the-counter use, adults can take up to 1,200 mg of Motrin (ibuprofen) per day, which works out to three doses of 400 mg spaced at least four to six hours apart. Under a doctor’s supervision, the prescription ceiling is higher, up to 3,200 mg per day. The distinction matters because the risks climb sharply at higher doses.
OTC Dosing for Adults
A standard over-the-counter Motrin tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen. For general pain relief, the recommended single dose is 200 to 400 mg every four to six hours as needed. That means one to two tablets at a time, with a daily cap of 1,200 mg (six tablets) unless directed otherwise by a doctor.
For menstrual cramps specifically, the dosing pattern is 400 mg every four hours as needed, which can add up faster. Even so, you should stay at or below 1,200 mg total in a 24-hour window when you’re self-treating. The key rule is simple: take the lowest dose that controls your pain, and don’t take it more frequently than the label directs.
Prescription Doses Are Different
For conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, doctors sometimes prescribe ibuprofen at much higher levels: 1,200 mg to 3,200 mg per day, divided into three or four doses. That upper end is nearly triple the OTC limit. These higher doses require medical monitoring because the risk of serious side effects, particularly stomach bleeding, kidney damage, and cardiovascular problems, increases significantly with dose and duration.
If your pain isn’t controlled by OTC amounts, that’s a signal to talk to a provider rather than simply taking more on your own.
How Long You Can Take It Safely
OTC ibuprofen labels typically recommend no more than 10 consecutive days for pain (or 3 days for fever) without medical guidance. Even within those windows, daily use carries risks that occasional use does not. Your kidneys are especially vulnerable, and that risk goes up if you’re dehydrated or already have any degree of kidney disease.
Prolonged or excessive ibuprofen use raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and stomach bleeding. These aren’t just theoretical concerns at extreme doses. Research published in Circulation found that regular NSAID use (the drug class Motrin belongs to) can double the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and increase the risk of death from any cause.
Dosing for Children
Children’s Motrin is dosed by weight, not age. The liquid formulations come in concentrations designed for infants and older children, and getting the right one matters. You can give ibuprofen every six to eight hours as needed, but no more than three doses in 24 hours. Always use the measuring device that comes with the product, not a kitchen spoon. Ibuprofen should not be given to infants younger than six months.
Take It With Food
Ibuprofen is harder on your stomach than most people realize. Taking it at the end of a full meal or with an antacid helps reduce irritation and lowers your chances of developing an ulcer, especially with repeated use. Alcohol compounds the stomach irritation, so avoid drinking while you’re taking Motrin regularly.
Who Should Avoid It Entirely
Ibuprofen inhibits platelet function, which means it interferes with blood clotting. If you take blood thinners (oral anticoagulants), combining them with Motrin significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The same caution applies if you take daily aspirin for heart protection.
People with a history of stomach ulcers, severe kidney disease, or liver disease should avoid ibuprofen or use it only under close medical supervision. It can also worsen high blood pressure and counteract blood pressure medications you may already be taking.
Signs You’ve Taken Too Much
An ibuprofen overdose can affect multiple organ systems. Early warning signs include severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. More serious symptoms include ringing in the ears, blurred vision, severe headache, confusion, difficulty breathing, and very little urine output. In extreme cases, seizures, loss of consciousness, and dangerously low blood pressure can occur. If you or someone else has taken significantly more than the recommended dose and experiences any of these symptoms, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency care immediately.