Ibuprofen how long does it stay in your system

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin. The half-life of a given drug is usually a pretty reliable indicator of how long it lasts in our system. In most cases, a drug is completely eliminated within 5 to 6 half-lives 1.

The half-life of ibuprofen is around 2 to 4 hours 2 , which means that it will be eliminated within hours for most individuals. Ibuprofen is metabolized and eliminated faster in pediatric patients compared to adults. The prescribing information for one ibuprofen product Caldolor reports a half-life of around 1. This means that it will be completely eliminated in around 12 hours for this age group.

The half-life of ibuprofen is significantly prolonged in individuals with liver impairment with most studies specifically referring cirrosis. It should be noted that while ibuprofen lasts in your system for hours for most, the actual duration of action is far shorter. After taking a dose by mouth, peak concentrations of the drug are reached on average in 4 :. The typical duration of action is 4 to 6 hours for most individuals.

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Sign Me Up. Print This Page Click to Print. Taking too much ibuprofen can be dangerous. If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. In addition to ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen Aleve are also available over the counter.

While the amount of time it takes for ibuprofen to work can vary, it usually takes about half an hour to start feeling symptom relief. Adults can take a dose of OTC ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours. When taking ibuprofen, be sure not to exceed the maximum daily dosage or to take it for more than 10 days. Dosing for children depends on body weight. Ibuprofen may not be recommended if you have certain health conditions or are taking specific medications. If you have questions or concerns about taking ibuprofen, speak with your doctor.

NSAIDs may be the most commonly used medications around, but like any medication, they have side effects. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce pain. Learn how they work. Also discover which ones are safe for children, warnings, and other…. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two of the most common over-the-counter pain relievers. Learn whether you can mix the two, as well as information…. Ibuprofen is a powerful over-the-counter pain relief medication, but it can also cause some unwanted side effects on the stomach.

You can overdose on ibuprofen. Capsules and tablets serve a similar purpose, but there are differences in how they work. For instance, they're made of different ingredients…. Taking more than the recommended dosage of ibuprofen or drinking a lot of alcohol significantly raises your risk of serious problems.