The recommended ibuprofen dose for adults is generally 200 to 400 mg at once, taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Over-the-counter ibuprofen should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 1200 mg. Prescription-strength ibuprofen can be taken at higher doses, up to 3200 mg per day, but no more than 800 mg should be taken at one time in a single dose. Specifically:
- For over-the-counter ibuprofen: 200-400 mg at once, not to exceed 1200 mg total in 24 hours.
- For prescription ibuprofen: up to 800 mg at one time, with a maximum of 3200 mg in 24 hours under medical supervision.
Taking more than 400 mg at once from over-the-counter doses (e.g., three 200 mg tablets) is not recommended because it may cause side effects like nausea and stomach issues. The highest single dose for prescription ibuprofen is typically 800 mg at one time. So, the safest approach is to take no more than 400 mg of over-the-counter ibuprofen at once, or up to 800 mg if prescribed, repeating every 4-6 hours without exceeding daily limits.
