Dosing charts for adult OTC pain relievers
Different OTC pain relievers have different doses, directions, and daily limits. To help ensure you’re using pain relievers appropriately, download and print these dosing charts for OTC NSAIDs and acetaminophen —and keep them wherever you store your medicines.
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Acetaminophen, Regular Strength For example TYLENOL® Regular Strength
|
|
| AMOUNT | 325 mg per pill |
|---|---|
| DOSE & FREQUENCY |
1 pill every 4 to 6 hours. If pain or fever does not respond to 1 pill, take 2 pills at the next dose |
| DAILY LIMIT* | Do not take more than 12 pills in 24 hours |
|
Acetaminophen, Extra Strength For example TYLENOL® Extra Strength
|
|
| AMOUNT | 500 mg per pill |
| DOSE & FREQUENCY |
1 pill every 4 to 6 hours. If pain or fever does not respond to 1 pill, take 2 pills at the next dose |
| DAILY LIMIT* | Do not take more than 8 pills in 24 hours |
|
Acetaminophen Extended Release For example TYLENOL® Arthritis Pain TYLENOL® Muscle Aches & Body Pain
|
|
| AMOUNT | 650 mg per pill |
| DOSE & FREQUENCY |
2 pills every 6 hours |
| DAILY LIMIT* | Do not take more than 6 pills in 24 hours |
* The maximum daily limit of acetaminophen is 4,000 mg
Do not take more than this amount in 24 hours
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Ibuprofen 200 mg For example MOTRIN® Regular Strength Advil® Regular Strength
|
|
| AMOUNT | 200 mg per pill |
|---|---|
| DOSE & FREQUENCY |
MOTRIN® dosing: 1-2 pills every 4 to 6 hours Advil® dosing: 1 pill every 4 hours or 2 pills every 6 to 8 hours |
| DAILY LIMIT* | Do not take more than 6 pills in 24 hours |
|
Ibuprofen 300 mg For example MOTRIN® Extra Strength
|
|
| AMOUNT | 300 mg per pill |
| DOSE & FREQUENCY |
1 pill every 4 to 6 hours |
| DAILY LIMIT* | Do not take more than 4 pills in 24 hours |
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Ibuprofen 400 mg For example MOTRIN® Super Strength Advil® Extra Strength
|
|
| AMOUNT | 400 mg per pill |
| DOSE & FREQUENCY |
MOTRIN® dosing: 1 pill every 4 to 6 hours Advil® dosing: 1 pill every 4 hours or 2 pills every 6 to 8 hours |
| DAILY LIMIT* | Do not take more than 3 pills in 24 hours |
*The maximum daily limit of ibuprofen is 1,200 mg
Do not take more than this amount in 24 hours
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Naproxen Sodium For example Aleve® MOTRIMAX™ 12 HOUR
|
|
| AMOUNT | 220 mg per pill (Aleve®) (Both Aleve® and MOTRIMAX™ 12 HOUR contain an equivalent of 200 mg of naproxen per pill) |
|---|---|
| DOSE & FREQUENCY |
1 pill every 8 to 12 hours |
| DAILY LIMIT* | Do not take more than 2 pills in 24 hours |
*The maximum daily limit of naproxen sodium is 440 mg
Do not take more than this amount in 24 hours
|
Acetylsalicylic Acid, Regular Strength For example Aspirin® Regular Strength
[For relief of pain and fever only] |
|
| AMOUNT | 325 mg per pill |
|---|---|
| DOSE & FREQUENCY |
1-2 pills every 4 to 6 hours |
| DAILY LIMIT* | Do not take more than 12 pills in 24 hours |
|
Acetylsalicylic Acid, Extra Strength For example Aspirin® Extra Strength
[For relief of pain and fever only] |
|
| AMOUNT | 500 mg per pill |
| DOSE & FREQUENCY |
1-2 pills every 4 to 6 hours |
| DAILY LIMIT* | Do not take more than 8 pills in 24 hours |
*The maximum daily limit of acetylsalicylic acid is 4,000 mg
Do not take more than this amount in 24 hours
What you can do to use OTC pain relievers responsibly
Take ONLY 1 medicine that contains the same kind of medicinal ingredient at a time. Why?
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If you take more than 1 medicine that contains an NSAID, it can increase your risk of stomach bleeding
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If you take Aspirin® (daily low dose ASA – 81 – 325 mg) for daily preventive therapy, ibuprofen may decrease that heart health benefit
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If you take more than 1 medicine that contains acetaminophen, it increases your chance of taking too much, and that could cause serious or potentially fatal liver damage
Check your medicines. Hundreds of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines contain the same kind of medicinal ingredient.
Remember: It is important to always read and follow the label. If you have any questions or are unsure which pain reliever may be appropriate for you, talk with your healthcare professional.
Get your pain reliever dose right. Why?
If you take more medicine than the label says, you may increase your chance of experiencing serious side effects. To use OTC pain relievers responsibly:
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Take only the dose directed on the label
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Wait the right amount of time between doses
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NEVER take more than the daily limit
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If your pain lasts more than 5 days, stop taking the medicine and see a healthcare professional. It’s possible that the problem may need more attention, or a different treatment approach may be needed.
OTC pain reliever differences could matter to your health
How you choose OTC pain medications and how you use them are important.
Which OTC pain reliever may be appropriate for you?
It may depend on your age, health conditions and other medications you may be currently taking.
Medicine labels matter to your health
What the warnings, directions, and other label facts tell you.