Advil

ibuprofen

Advil is a drug consisting of a chemical called Ibuprofen, and is used to reduce inflammation and pain due to many factors in the body. This drug comes in the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Advil is a very commonly used drug for the treatment of pain and inflammation in the joints and the body.

Advil belongs to a category of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which are used for relievin pain and swelling (inflammation). Advil is used for the treatment of headaches, muscle aches, backaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, or athletic injuries. Basically Advil is used for the treatment of all kinds of pain in the body. Along with this Advil may also be used for reducing fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Advil in general is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout.

Ibuprofen works by reducing the production of certain substances (called prostaglandins). This is a substance that is produced by the body and it helps in controlling some functions. It helps in muscle contraction, inflammation, and numerous other body processes. Ibuprofen works by blocking the enzyme in the body that makes prostaglandins. Hence, ibuprofen helps to reduce pain, swelling, and fever.

To be more specific, Advil works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury or certain diseases and would otherwise go on to cause pain, swelling and inflammation.

All the medicines in this group (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation caused by the body's own immune system, and are effective pain killers. Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain such as muscular aches and pains, period pains, headache, backache, rheumatic pain, dental pain and neuralgia. It can also reduce feverishness and the symptoms of colds and flu.

Side effects:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. More common side effects: abdominal pain, acid or sour stomach, belching, diarrhea, excess air or gas in stomach or intestines, heartburn, indigestion, itching skin, pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, weight gain. Less common side effecets: abdominal cramps, stomach soreness or discomfort.

Effective dosage:
Advil comes in 200mg tablets, and can be taken in the dose range of 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours, as the need may be. Advil dose should not exceed 6 tablets in a day, and should be taken with water, and after or along with the meals. Advil should not be used continuously for more than 3 days for fever or more than 7 days for pain without consulting a doctor.

Since Advil is sometimes taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Drug Class: Pain relief.