Motrin and Ibuprofen FAQs

Ibuprofen is known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and is available over-the-counter to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and reduce fever in kids and adults. To find the product information for each MOTRIN® product, click here. Remember to always read and follow the label. If you have questions, talk to your doctor.

The active ingredient in MOTRIN® products is ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID). MOTRIN® products don’t contain acetaminophen, the active ingredient in TYLENOL® products. Each of these ingredients relieves pain and reduces fever, but they work differently.

We continue to experience high consumer demand driven by an extremely challenging cold & flu season. While products may be less readily available at some stores, we are not experiencing widespread shortages of Children’s MOTRIN®. We recognize this may be challenging for parents and caregivers, and are doing everything we can to make sure people have access to the products they need, including maximizing our production capacity, running our sites 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and continuously shipping out product. We will continue to partner with retailers to provide these products to consumers.

Young children should not take adult medication. All parents and caregivers should follow the dosing instructions outlined on the label. If you have questions, please consult your pediatrician or health care provider.

The maximum ibuprofen dosage for adults can vary based on the specific MOTRIN® product being used. Generally, for most single-ingredient MOTRIN® products (products that contain just ibuprofen as an active ingredient and do not combine ibuprofen with other active ingredients), it is recommended not to exceed 6 tablets or capsules within a 24-hour period unless directed by your healthcare provider. However, for specialized formulations such as MOTRIN® IB Migraine Relief Liquid Gel Caps and MOTRIN® PM Caplets Sleep Aid, the limit is restricted to a maximum of two caplets in a 24-hour span.

It is crucial to adhere to the specific guidelines provided for each product and not exceed the recommended dosages unless directed by your healthcare provider. For precise dosage information, you should always read and follow the product label.

In the event of an overdose, get in touch with your local poison center as soon as possible by calling 1-800-222-1222 (in the US only).

If you, or anyone you know, have taken more than the recommended dose of a MOTRIN® product, get medical help or call a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Our MOTRIN® (ibuprofen) products are made with effective ingredients that are safe when used as directed. Human embryonic cells (fetal cells) are not involved in the production of these products.

Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in MOTRIN® IB, first came to the US market as a prescription drug in 1974. MOTRIN® IB was then approved as an over-the-counter medicine for adults and children 12 years and older in 1989.

MOTRIN® IB can be used for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, minor pain of arthritis, toothache, backache, the common cold, menstrual cramps, and for the temporary reduction of fever.

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in MOTRIN® IB. For a full list of ingredients, click here.

If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a healthcare professional before use.

When taking any medicine, always read and follow the label carefully, and do not take more than directed. To find the right dose of MOTRIN® IB for you, click here.

No, MOTRIN® IB doesn’t need to be taken on a full stomach. But, if you get an upset stomach when taking MOTRIN® IB caplets, try taking them with food or milk.

NSAIDs like MOTRIN® IB may cause severe stomach bleeding, and the chance is higher if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product. For product information, click here.

For the product information on MOTRIN® IB, please visit the product page here.

You can find MOTRIN® IB in the medication section of every major retailer across the country, including food stores, pharmacies and supercenters. To find it at a store near you, click here.

Store MOTRIN® IB caplets by following the instructions on the package label. For full directions, click here.

MOTRIN® PM can be used for relief of occasional sleeplessness when associated with minor aches and pains. It can help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

NOTE: You should only use MOTRIN® PM if pain is what’s keeping you up.

Diphenhydramine citrate is a medication that can be used for relief of occasional sleeplessness. Along with ibuprofen (a pain reliever), it’s one of the active ingredients in MOTRIN® PM.

No. When used as directed, MOTRIN® PM is not habit-forming. For product information, click here.

No, you shouldn’t take more MOTRIN® PM in the middle of the night. Follow the dosing directions on the package label: Take 2 caplets at bedtime, but do not take more than 2 caplets in 24 hours. For product information, click here.

No. When using MOTRIN® PM, you should avoid alcoholic drinks. For product information, click here.

For the product information on MOTRIN® PM, please visit the product page here.

MOTRIN® PM and TYLENOL® PM are both pain relievers that contain a nighttime sleep aid, but they have different active ingredients. The pain reliever in MOTRIN® PM is ibuprofen, and its sleep aid is called diphenhydramine citrate. The pain reliever in TYLENOL® PM is acetaminophen, and its sleep aid is called diphenhydramine hydrochloride.

MOTRIN® PM and TYLENOL® PM can be used when minor aches and pains are keeping you awake at night.

You can find MOTRIN® PM in the medication section of every major retailer across the country, including food stores, pharmacies and supercenters. To find it at a store near you, click here.

Store MOTRIN® PM by following the instructions on the package label. For product information, click here.

Children's MOTRIN® first came out as a prescription medicine in 1989. In 1995, it was approved for over-the-counter use.

Children's MOTRIN® can be used for temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, sore throat, headache, and toothache, and fever reduction.

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Children’s MOTRIN®. For a full list of ingredients, click here.

With any over-the-counter medicine, always read and follow the label carefully. To find the right dose of Children’s MOTRIN® for your child, click here.

For the product information on Children’s MOTRIN®, please visit the product page here.

You can find Children's MOTRIN® products in the pain reliever section of most retailers across the country, including food stores, pharmacies and supercenters. To find it at a store near you, click here.

Infants' MOTRIN® can be used for temporary reduction of fever, and temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, sore throat, headaches, and toothaches in infants 6-23 months. For infants under 6 months, please ask your pediatrician before use.

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Infants’ MOTRIN®. For a full list of ingredients, click here.

With any over-the-counter medicine, always read and follow the label carefully. To find the right dose of Infants’ MOTRIN® for your baby, click here.

For the product information on Infants’ MOTRIN®, please visit the product page here.

You can find Infants' MOTRIN® products in most retailers across the country, including food stores, pharmacies and supercenters. To find it at a store near you, click here.