Advil

ibuprofen

The non steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug Advil is used for relieving pain and swelling of the affected area. Advil is also used for the treatment of headaches, muscle aches, back aches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, athletic injuries, etc. Advil is also used to reduce fever and reduce pain due to common cold and flu.

Advil acts by blocking the enzymes in your body that produces prostaglandins. Reducing the prostaglandin production directly reduces the pain swelling and fever. Advil also reduces the inflammation caused by the body’s self immune system.

Advil should be taken along with full glass of water unless directed by your physician for other alternate ways. You also should not lie down for at least 30 minutes after the administration of Advil. In case of stomach upset, Advil can be taken along with food, milk or any other antacids. The dosage depends upon the condition of your body and your response to the therapy. If you should take repeated doses, then the two doses should be given at 6 to 8 hours interval or as directed by your doctor. Advil is administered in children based on the body weight of the child.

The dosage of Advil for arthritis is 300 to 800 mg 3 to 4 times daily till the pain wanes. In case of menstrual cramps, mild pain, fever, etc the dosage amount is 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours in adults. 20 to 40 mg per kg of the body weight per day is the recommended dosage for people suffering from juvenile arthritis. The medicine should be administered as advised by the physician and the medicine starts to work usually within a week. However, in severe aches, Advil takes 2 weeks to respond to the ailment.

Advil had to be administered exactly as advised by the physician. An over dose of the drug may cause damage to stomach, intestines, and liver. The maximum allowed dose of the drug is 800mg per dose and 3200 mg per day. Small dosage amount is sufficient for relieving from pain, swelling, fever etc.

Dosing schedule need not be stringently followed for administering ibuprofen. In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.

Some of the side effects of Advil include,

• Abdominal pain
• Acidity
• Sour stomach
• Belching
• Diarrhea
• Excess gas in stomach or intestines
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Itching skin
• Pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat
• Nausea
• Unusual weakness
• Vomiting
• Weight gain

Less common side effects:

• Abdominal cramps
• Stomach soreness or discomfort

Advil should be used very cautiously in elderly persons as they are very sensitive to the side effects of Advil like stomach bleeding, kidney effects, etc. The medication should not be used during the first two trimesters in pregnant women and is also not recommended during the last trimester as well. Advil also passes the breast milk, but no records have been recorded for Advil action on the fetus.