The maximum safe daily dose of ibuprofen depends on whether it is taken over- the-counter (OTC) or by prescription:
- Over-the-counter ibuprofen: The maximum dose is 1200 mg per day, typically taken as 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Prescription-strength ibuprofen: The maximum dose can be up to 3200 mg per day, divided into three or four doses (e.g., 800 mg every 6 hours), used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
Taking more than 3200 mg in 24 hours is considered too much and can lead to serious side effects such as stomach problems (heartburn, ulcers, bleeding), kidney damage, dizziness, seizures, metabolic acidosis, and increased bleeding risk
. For safety:
- Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
- Avoid exceeding 1200 mg daily if using OTC ibuprofen.
- Seek medical advice if higher doses are needed or if you have chronic conditions.
- If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately
In summary, more than 1200 mg daily OTC or more than 3200 mg daily prescription ibuprofen is too much and can be harmful.
