The typical adult dose of ibuprofen in one dose is 200 mg to 400 mg, taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Over-the-counter ibuprofen generally contains 200 mg per tablet, and the maximum single dose usually should not exceed 400 mg unless prescribed by a doctor. Prescription doses can be higher, such as 600 mg or 800 mg per dose, but this should only be taken under medical supervision. The maximum daily over-the-counter dose is 1200 mg, while the maximum daily prescription dose can be up to 3200 mg. It is important not to take ibuprofen more frequently than every 4 hours and to use the smallest effective dose to reduce risk of adverse effects like stomach irritation or kidney damage.