What do Advil products treat?
Advil products are available to treat many types of pain. The main active ingredient in Advil products that you swallow to help with pain, headache, or fever is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks certain substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.
Some Advil products have both ibuprofen and acetaminophen in them. Acetaminophen seems to help with pain by blocking pain signals in the brain. It helps reduce fever by affecting the part of your brain that controls body temperature.
Topical Advil products may include camphor, capsaicin, menthol, and methyl salicylate. These are all topical pain relievers, meaning that they work when applied to your skin.
There are Advil products for pain, headache, or fever for adults and children as young as 12 years old.
What are possible side effects of Advil products?
Since Advil products contain different active ingredients (listed below), review the ingredients in your specific product to understand which side effects you might have.
If you take an Advil product that contains acetaminophen, stop its use and get medical help right away if your skin becomes red or blisters. These could be symptoms of a very serious reaction to acetaminophen.
Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Advil products?
Do not take any other over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medicine with ibuprofen or any other NSAID in it while taking an Advil product that contains ibuprofen. If you are not sure which medicines are NSAIDs or have ibuprofen in them, ask your pharmacist.
If you are pregnant, do not take any Advil product that contains ibuprofen without first talking with your health care provider. Ibuprofen may cause problems in a fetus. Problems during delivery may also happen.
If an Advil product that contains ibuprofen upsets your stomach, you can take it with food or milk to reduce this risk.
Ibuprofen Risk. Check with your health care provider before taking an Advil product for pain, headache, or fever if any of the following apply.
- Bleeding problems or had a stomach ulcer in the past
- Takes a blood thinner, diuretic, steroid, or any other medicine that has a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in it
- Stomach problems, such as heartburn
- High blood pressure or heart disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Kidney disease
- Dehydration from not drinking fluids, vomiting, or diarrhea
Topical Advil Products. If you are using a topical Advil product, only apply it to intact skin. Do not apply it to wounds or damaged skin. Do not tightly bandage the area where you apply it. Do not use a heating pad on treated skin. If the painful area is red, ask your health care provider before using a topical Advil product on the area. Be sure to wash your hands after applying it to avoid getting it anywhere else, including in your eyes. If you get any in your eyes, rinse them with water right away.
Acetaminophen Risk. Before taking an Advil product that contains acetaminophen, check with your health care provider if you have liver problems. Do not take any other medicine with acetaminophen in it. If you are not sure if a medicine has acetaminophen in it, ask your pharmacist. Do not take more than is recommended on the label or by your health care provider. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Drinking too much alcohol, such as three or more drinks per day, can increase your risk of liver damage with an Advil product that contains acetaminophen.
All Advil Products. Stop using an Advil product and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen or apply.
- Fever or pain gets worse or lasts longer than 10 days (all products that you take by mouth)
- Aches or pain gets worse or lasts longer than seven days (topical product)
- You have redness, swelling, or new symptoms in the painful area
- Any symptoms of stomach bleeding, such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or black poop, or stomach pain that will not go away
- Any symptoms of heart problems or a stroke, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of the body, swelling of the legs, or slurred speech
Advil Products for Migraine. Talk with your health care provider if you think you may have a migraine and have never been diagnosed. Also, talk with your health care provider if you have the worst headache of your life, your current migraine feels different from your usual migraines, or you also have a fever and stiff neck.
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 Advil product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which Advil product is right for me?
Choosing the right Advil product depends on what you are treating and your age. You can find the best product by looking at the main ingredient it contains.
Advil products with only ibuprofen
These products are for people 12 years or older. They can help relieve fever, headaches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, minor aches and pains from the common cold, muscle aches, and arthritis.
- Advil Caplets
- Advil Gel Caplets
- Advil Tablets
- Advil Liqui-Gels Capsules
- Advil Liqui-Gels Minis Capsules
This product is for people 18 years or older to help relieve migraine.
- Advil Migraine Liquid Filled Capsules
Advil products with ibuprofen and acetaminophen
These "Dual Action" products combine two different pain relievers to fight pain. They are for people 12 years or older and can help relieve headaches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and arthritis.
- Advil Dual Action Caplets
- Advil Dual Action Back Pain Caplets
Advil products applied to the skin (topical)
This product is applied directly to the skin for targeted relief of minor muscle and joint aches and pains. It is for people 12 years or older and contains camphor, capsaicin, menthol, and methylsalicylate.
- Advil Targeted Relief Pain Relieving Cream