When Can You Take Advil PM After Taking 'Regular' Advil?

Answer

It is recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 hours between doses of ibuprofen (as well as between ibuprofen and Advil PM, which contains ibuprofen and diphenhydramine). So, if it has been 5 hours since your last dose of ibuprofen, you are within a safe time window to take a dose of Advil PM.

How Long Does Ibuprofen Work Per Dose?

Ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin) has a duration of action of around 4 to 6 hours per dose, which is also the recommended amount of time to wait before taking another dose.

Now, you mentioned that you are taking prescription ibuprofen (a dose of 400mg), which is higher than the strength of OTC (over-the-counter) ibuprofen (200mg). Regardless, of the strength of ibuprofen you are talking about, it still has a duration of action of 4 to 6 hours.

What Does Advil PM Contain?

Advil PM contains two drugs:

• Ibuprofen
• Diphenhydramine

Ibuprofen is an NSAID and the active ingredient in several different products, including Advil and Motrin. Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine and the active ingredient in Benadryl.

When ibuprofen is used in OTC products, it is available up to 200mg per tablet/capsule. It is also available as a prescription in higher doses, up to 800mg per tablet.

As mentioned above, regardless of the strength of the ibuprofen you are taking, it lasts around the same amount of time (4 to 6 hours), and it is recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.

Ibuprofen Dosing Recommendations

Since you are looking to be taking two different products containing ibuprofen (your prescribed ibuprofen and Advil PM), please be sure to stay within the recommended dosing for the drug.

The maximum recommended over-the-counter (OTC) dose of ibuprofen for adults is 1200 milligrams (mg) per day, which is the equivalent of six 200 mg tablets.

The maximum prescription-strength dose of ibuprofen may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and your doctor's recommendations. Doses up to 3,200mg per day have been used, but if you take ibuprofen chronically, generally it is recommended not to exceed 2,400mg per day.

Taking Advil PM After 'Regular' Advil

I just want to reiterate that you can safely take Advil PM (which just adds diphenhydramine to ibuprofen) after taking your prescription ibuprofen, as long as you wait at least 4 to 6 hours between doses and you keep track of your total daily ibuprofen dose and stay within what is recommended/directed by your doctor.

Final Words

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