The maximum ibuprofen dose you can take at once is generally 200 to 400 mg for over-the-counter use. Adults can take 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The typical maximum daily dose for over-the-counter ibuprofen is 1200 mg (equivalent to 6 tablets of 200 mg each). Under medical supervision for prescription-strength ibuprofen, a higher single dose (such as 600 mg or 800 mg) may be prescribed, but the maximum daily dose should not exceed 3200 mg. For safety:
- Do not exceed 400 mg per single dose without doctor guidance.
- Take ibuprofen with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Follow the minimum interval of 4 hours between doses.
Taking more than the recommended dose at once or exceeding the daily maximum can cause serious health issues like stomach bleeding and kidney damage.