Advil, which contains ibuprofen, typically starts to work within 20 to 30 minutes after taking a dose, with maximum pain relief effects usually seen within 1 to 2 hours
. The onset time can vary depending on factors such as the formulation of Advil, the dosage taken, whether it is taken with food, and individual differences like age and health
. For example, standard Advil tablets generally begin to relieve pain within 30 minutes to an hour, while newer formulations like Advil Film-Coated Tablets (IBUNa) may provide faster relief
. The anti-inflammatory effects of ibuprofen may take longer, sometimes requiring consistent use for a week or more to achieve full benefit, especially for chronic conditions
. In summary:
- Pain relief onset: about 20–30 minutes after ingestion
- Maximum effect: within 1 to 2 hours
- Duration of effect: typically 4 to 6 hours per dose
- For chronic inflammation: may require regular use for 1 to 3 weeks
Taking Advil on an empty stomach may speed onset but could increase stomach irritation risk
