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What Is Advil?

Advil is an over-the-counter medicine containing ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Standard Advil tablets, caplets, and gel caplets contain 200 mg of ibuprofen per unit. The medicine temporarily relieves minor aches and pains from headaches, toothaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, colds, muscle aches, and minor arthritis pain. It also reduces fever.

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What Is Advil?

Advil is an over-the-counter medicine containing ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Standard Advil tablets, caplets, and gel caplets contain 200 mg of ibuprofen per unit. The medicine temporarily relieves minor aches and pains from headaches, toothaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, colds, muscle aches, and minor arthritis pain. It also reduces fever.

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How Does Advil Work?

Ibuprofen has pain-relieving, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory activity. Its action is not fully understood, but it is associated with inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins participate in pain, fever, and inflammation. Lower prostaglandin production reduces these responses, which accounts for ibuprofen's use in short-term relief of minor pain and fever.

What Is Advil Used For?

Advil temporarily relieves minor pain linked to headaches, toothaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, the common cold, muscle aches, and minor arthritis pain. It also temporarily reduces fever. The over-the-counter label applies to adults and children age 12 and older. For children younger than 12, the label directs caregivers to ask a doctor.

How Is Advil Taken?

Adults and children age 12 and older take one 200 mg tablet, caplet, or gel caplet every four to six hours while symptoms continue. Two units can be taken when one does not relieve pain or fever. The label limits use to six units in 24 hours unless a doctor gives different directions. The smallest dose that works is preferred.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings?

Advil can cause stomach bleeding, severe allergic reactions, and serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Risk increases with higher doses or longer use. People with certain heart, kidney, liver, stomach, bleeding, or asthma conditions should speak with a doctor before use. Ibuprofen should not be used at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later unless directed by a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Advil

Is Advil the same as ibuprofen?

Advil contains ibuprofen as its active ingredient. Standard tablets, caplets, and gel caplets contain 200 mg of ibuprofen per unit.

Is Advil an NSAID?

Yes. Ibuprofen belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug class. It relieves minor pain, reduces fever, and has anti-inflammatory activity.

How often is Advil taken?

For adults and children age 12 and older, the label directs one unit every four to six hours while symptoms continue.

What is the maximum over-the-counter Advil dose?

The label limits adults and children age 12 and older to six 200 mg units within 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.

References

Advil Tablets. https://www.advil.com/our-products/advil-pain/advil-tablets/. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

DailyMed - ADVIL (ibuprofen) tablet, coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1a665e64-9f30-be37-4a83-38789f1f1e89. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

FDA Recommends Avoiding Use of NSAIDs in Pregnancy at 20 Weeks or Later Because They Can Result in Low Amniotic Fluid. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-recommends-avoiding-use-nsaids-pregnancy-20-weeks-or-later-because-they-can-result-low-amniotic. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

Ibuprofen. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

Ibuprofen. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542299/. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.