Advil

(Ibuprofen)

The active ingredient in Advil is ibuprofen. It is also found in another OTC pain reliever/fever reducer, Motrin. It works by reducing hormones in the body that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Advil acts as a pain reliever for many symptoms including back pain, common colds, muscle aches, minor pain of arthritis, etc.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medication, sometimes known as an NSAID. It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX), a molecule in your body that causes inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting these proteins, which helps to alleviate inflammation, swelling, and discomfort.

Brand Versions

Hyland's Leg Cramp

Strength
200mg
Country
Canada
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Currently Unavailable

Also available from Canada
Strength
200mg
Country
Canada
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Advil 12HR

Strength
600mg
Country
Canada
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Generic Versions
What are generics?

Ibuprofen

Strength
200mg
Country
Canada
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Marketed as APC-Ibuprofen in Canada

Ibuprofen

Strength
300mg
Country
Canada
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Marketed as Apo-Ibuprofen in Canada

Ibuprofen Prescription Required

Strength
400mg
Country
Canada
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Marketed as Apo-Ibuprofen in Canada

Ibuprofen Prescription Required

Strength
600mg
Country
Canada
Select Quantity

Marketed as Apo-Ibuprofen in Canada

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Important information about Advil

How do you use Advil?

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Advil. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Advil:

  • Take Advil tablets with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
  • Shake the oral suspension before measuring a dose. Use the included dosing syringe or a pharmaceutical dose-measuring instrument.
  • You must chew the chewable pill before swallowing it.

What are the side effects of Advil?

The most common side effects of Advil seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Gas or heartburn
  • Dizziness.
  • Headaches.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Advil. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help: Stop taking the medication if you experience the following:

  • Vision changes.
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain.
  • Swelling or rapid weight gain.
  • A skin rash or hives.
  • Signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that resembles coffee grounds.
  • Liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored feces, and jaundice.
  • Anemia (low red blood cells) - pale skin, light-headedness or shortness of breath, high heart rate, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Kidney problems.

These are not all of Advil's possible side effects. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

What are the warnings or precautions for Advil?

Before starting Advil, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, such as:

  • Advil can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Do not take this medication immediately before or after cardiac bypass surgery/heart surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
  • May also induce stomach or intestinal bleeding problems, which is potentially lethal. These symptoms can develop unexpectedly when taking this medication, particularly in older persons.
  • Do not take Advil if you are allergic to ibuprofen, or if you have ever experienced an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask your healthcare provider if this medication is safe to take, if you have ever had:

  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking.
  • A heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.
  • Stomach ulcers or bleeding.
  • Diseases of the liver or kidneys.
  • Asthma.
  • If you use aspirin to avoid a heart attack or stroke.

Are there any contraindications with Advil?

Consult a healthcare provider before using any other medications for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain medications comparable to ibuprofen (aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

  • Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to and avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
  • If you also take aspirin to prevent strokes or heart attacks, taking ibuprofen may reduce aspirin's effectiveness in protecting your heart and blood arteries. If you use both medications, take ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after taking aspirin (non-enteric coated).

How long does it take Advil to work?

The majority of your ibuprofen dose is absorbed into your bloodstream after around 30 minutes. However, it may take several hours before you receive relief from fever or minor discomfort. Long-term pain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, can take 1 to 2 weeks to notice less inflammation. Ibuprofen's effects normally last around 6 hours.

What interacts with Advil?

When Advil is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

  • Cyclosporine.
  • Lithium.
  • Methotrexate.
  • Blood thinners - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
  • Heart or blood pressure medication, especially a diuretic or "water pill".
  • Steroid medications (such as prednisone).
  • Ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are generally regarded as safe to consume together. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) treat pain and fever in slightly different ways. If either medicine alone isn't effective in relieving pain, some clinicians may recommend taking both or alternating between the two.

What doses of Advil are available?

An ibuprofen overdose might harm your stomach and intestines. Adults can take up to 800 milligrams of ibuprofen every dose, or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses).

The dose of ibuprofen prescribed to a child is determined by his or her age and weight. Follow the dose guidelines for Junior Strength Advil based on your child's age and weight.

Because Advil is used as needed, you may not be following a dose regimen. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missing dose. Do not use two dosages at the same time.

Overdose symptoms can be nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody feces, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Advil is found in many OTC dosage forms and strengths, including:

  • Tablet (200 mg)
  • Capsule (Advil Liqui-Gel) (200 mg)
  • Chewable tablet (100 mg)
  • Oral suspension (liquid)
  • 50 mg/1.25 mL
  • 100 mg/5 mL

It is also found in several combination products including Advil PM (ibuprofen/diphenhydramine) and Advil Dual Action (ibuprofen/acetaminophen).

How do I store Advil?

Store at room temperature, free from moisture and heat, and away from the reach of children. Do not let the liquid medicine freeze.

Which pharmaceutical company manufactures Advil?

Pfizer Consumer Healthcare is the manufacturer of Advil since 2013.

Is there a generic version of Advil?

There are several generic versions of Advil.

How do I stop taking Advil?

Talk to your healthcare provider to stop taking Advil, as they can help you create a plan to stop safely.

Can Advil be used if I am pregnant?

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

If you are pregnant, do not take ibuprofen unless your doctor advises you to. Taking an NSAID in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy might cause major heart or renal problems in the unborn baby, as well as pregnancy difficulties.

Can Advil be used if I am breast feeding?

It is typically considered safe to take up to the daily recommended dose of ibuprofen while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

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Important information about buying Advil from UniversalDrugstore™

What happens after I place my order for Advil with Universal Drugstore?

Once you complete your order, we process, verify, and dispatch your medication. You’ll receive email updates at each stage, including tracking details once your order ships. If any additional documentation is needed (such as a valid prescription), we’ll contact you promptly. Once approved, your order is charged and delivered directly to your doorstep.

How long does it take to process and deliver my order for Advil?

Orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days once all required documents are received and approved. Standard delivery times range from 10–18 business days, depending on your location.

Can I track my order of Advil?

Yes! Once your medication ships, you will receive an email with tracking information so you can monitor your shipment every step of the way.

What should I do if there is an issue with my order for Advil?

Our Customer Care team is available 24/7 to assist with any order-related concerns or questions. If you experience delays, missing items, or need support, contact us using the details provided in your confirmation email.

How is my medication packaged to ensure privacy and safety?

All orders are shipped in discreet, plain packaging to protect your privacy. Medications are securely packaged to prevent damage and ensure they arrive in top condition.

Does Universal Drugstore ship medications that require refrigeration or special handling?

Yes. We use cold-chain shipping methods to safely transport temperature-sensitive medications, ensuring they maintain proper storage conditions throughout delivery.

What are the shipping costs, and does Universal Drugstore offer free delivery?

Shipping costs vary depending on your location and shipping method. Free shipping promotions may be available—check the checkout page for the latest offers. Orders above $100 going to a US destination will receive free shipping.

Does Universal Drugstore accept Medicare or Medicaid for prescriptions?

Currently, we do not bill Medicare or Medicaid directly. However, we provide detailed receipts and documentation that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.

Can I use private health insurance to cover my prescription from Universal Drugstore?

Universal Drugstore does not bill private health insurance directly, but we provide a detailed invoice that you can submit to your insurer for possible reimbursement. Many insurers will accept Unievrsal Drugstore’s documents, but if you have any questions, check with your insurance company prior to purchasing.

How secure is my payment information when ordering from Universal Drugstore?

We use advanced SSL encryption and secure payment processing to ensure that all transactions are 100% protected against fraud and unauthorized access.

Can I order a generic alternative to Advil?

Universal Drugstore offers many generic alternatives that provide the same active ingredients at a lower cost. Search for your medication and compare pricing for generic vs. brand-name options. Generic availability depends on the medication.

Do I need a prescription to order Advil?

If your medication requires a prescription, you must upload it online, via email, or fax. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications do not require a prescription. All prescription medication purchases require a valid and approved prescription.

Can I order multiple medications at once?

Yes! You can add multiple medications to your cart, including prescription, OTC, and pet medications, and complete your purchase in a single checkout process.

Can I refill my prescription through Universal Drugstore?

Yes! If your prescription includes refills, you can reorder quickly by logging into your account and selecting your medication for a hassle-free refill process. Always refill your medication proactively and ontime, to ensure you do not run out of important medication.

Does Universal Drugstore offer discounts or price matching?

Yes! We offer:

  • Up to 80% savings on medications
  • Price match guarantee – we’ll match competitor pricing on qualifying medications
  • 10% off your first order for new customers

How can I contact Universal Drugstore for additional support?

We offer 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and chat. Visit our Contact Us page for assistance with ordering, shipping, or medication questions.

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Important

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes to increase health awareness only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 



Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.