What do Motrin products treat?
Motrin products are commonly used to treat fever and pain, including headaches, as well as inflammation. The main active ingredient in most products is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) that blocks certain substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.
Motrin products may also contain or alternatively contain acetaminophen, diclofenac, or diphenhydramine. Acetaminophen and diclofenac also help with pain, while diphenhydramine can help with sleep problems that can be caused by pain.
There are Motrin products for adults and children as young as 6 months old.
What should I know before using Motrin products?
If you have an upset stomach after taking Motrin, you can take the medicine with food or milk to help.
Read the label on the specific Motrin product you are taking to make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients. Most Motrin products are taken by mouth. One Motrin product is applied to the skin. Do not use Motrin products right before or right after you have heart surgery without talking to your health care provider.
Motrin products may increase your risk of stomach bleeding, especially if you have certain risk factors as listed below. Talk to your health care provider especially if you take more Motrin than directed, use it for a long period of time, or have any of the following risk factors.
- 60 years of age or older
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
- Taking a blood thinner, steroid, or another NSAID
- Have three or more alcoholic drinks every day
Motrin may also increase your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it more than directed or for a longer period of time than directed. Stop taking Motrin if you experience any signs or symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or stomach bleeding (black or bloody stool, coughing up blood, stomach pain, or dizziness).
If you are an adult taking Motrin, stop taking the medicine and call your health care provider if your pain gets worse or lasts for 10 days or longer or if your fever gets worse or lasts three days or longer. If your child or infant is taking Motrin for pain or fever, stop taking the medicine and call your health care if their symptoms get worse or last more than three days. If you are using a Motrin product that is applied onto the skin and your pain gets worse or lasts more than 21 days, call your health care provider. If you are taking a Motrin product for a sore throat and also develop a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting for more than two days, call your health care provider.
Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following before taking Motrin.
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Liver problems, including cirrhosis
- Kidney disease
- Asthma
- History of stroke
- Stomach problems, such as heartburn
- Taking a medicine known as a diuretic or aspirin
If your child is taking Motrin oral liquid, shake the bottle well and use the syringe/dosing cup that comes with the medicine. Do not use a household spoon to measure your child’s dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device.
If you are taking a Motrin product that contains diphenhydramine, the medicine can make you drowsy. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery or drink alcohol while taking a Motrin product with diphenhydramine. Before taking a Motrin product with diphenhydramine, talk to your health care provider if you have emphysema, chronic bronchitis, glaucoma, or trouble peeing due to an enlarged prostate gland.
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Motrin product you are using. Always check the label before taking any Motrin product. Talk to a pharmacist or health care provider about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which Motrin products are safe for you.
Which Motrin product is right for my symptoms?
Use the tables below to help you find the best product to treat your symptoms.
Pain and inflammation
Active ingredients:
- Pain reliever: diclofenac sodium
Product | Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Topical Gel for Joint Pain & Inflammation Relief |
Age | 18 years and older |
Formulation | Topical gel |
Dosing Frequency | 4 times a day |
Features | Fragrance-free |
Pain, fever, and headache
Active ingredients:
- Pain reliever/fever reducer: ibuprofen with or without acetaminophen
- Sleep aid: diphenhydramine
Product | Motrin IB Tablets Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer |
Age | 12 years and older |
Formulation | Tablet |
Dosing Frequency | 4 to 6 hours |
Product | Motrin IB Liquid Gels Headache, Pain Relief and Fever Reduction |
Age | 12 years and older |
Formulation | Liquid-filled capsules |
Dosing Frequency | 4 to 6 hours |
Product | Motrin IB Migraine Pain Relief Medication Liquid Gel Caps |
Age | 18 years and older |
Formulation | Liquid-filled capsules |
Dosing Frequency | Every 24 hours |
Product | Motrin PM Caplets |
Age | 12 years and over |
Formulation | Caplet |
Dosing Frequency | Every 24 hours (at bedtime) |
Product | Motrin Dual Action |
Age | 12 years and older |
Formulation | Tablet |
Dosing Frequency | Every 8 hours |
Product | Infants’ Motrin Liquid Drops, Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer for Babies |
Age | 6 months and older |
Formulation | Oral liquid |
Dosing Frequency | Every 6 to 8 hours |
Features | Berry flavor and dye-free |
Product | Children’s Motrin Chewable Tablets, Pain Relief Medicine & Fever Reducer for Kids |
Age | 2 years and older |
Formulation | Chewable tablet |
Dosing Frequency | Every 6 to 8 hours |
Features | Grape flavor and dye-free |
Product | Children’s Motrin Ibuprofen Liquid Oral Suspension Kid’s Medicine for Fever & Pain Relief |
Age | 2 years and older |
Formulation | Oral liquid |
Dosing Frequency | Every 6 to 8 hours |
Features | Grape, bubble gum, and berry flavor and dye-free |