Ibuprofen (Advil) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart and blood vessel problems (eg, heart attack, stroke). The risk may be greater if you already have heart problems or if you take Advil for a long time. Do not use Ibuprofen (Advil) right before or after bypass heart surgery.

Ibuprofen (Advil) may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal stomach ulcers and bleeding. Elderly patients may be at greater risk. This may occur without warning signs.

Take Ibuprofen (Advil) exactly as directed.

Ibuprofen (Advil) may cause an upset stomach. Take Ibuprofen (Advil) with food or milk.

If you are taking Ibuprofen (Advil) for pain and the painful area becomes red or swollen, call your doctor.

Although side effects from Ibuprofen (Advil) are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
bloody vomit
blurred vision
constipation
diarrhea
dizziness
gas
headache
nervousness
ringing in the ears
skin rash
stomach pain or cramps
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
upset stomach
vomiting

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), heparin, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine) because the risk of stomach bleeding may be increased
Probenecid because it may increase the risk of Ibuprofen (Advil)'s side effects
Cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, or quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Ibuprofen (Advil)
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril) or diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Ibuprofen (Advil)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ibuprofen (Advil) may interact with other medicines that you take.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Talk to your doctor before you take Ibuprofen (Advil) if you drink more than 3 drinks with alcohol per day.

Do not take aspirin while you are using Advil unless your doctor tells you to.

If you have any questions about Ibuprofen (Advil), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Treating minor aches and pains caused by the common cold, headaches, toothaches, back or muscle aches, menstrual cramps, or arthritis. It may be used to reduce fever.

Ibuprofen (Advil) may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal product, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers, persistent or returning stomach pain or heartburn)

if you have a history of swelling or fluid buildup, lupus, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), or mouth inflammation

if you have high blood pressure, blood disorders, bleeding or clotting problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), or blood vessel disease, or if you are at risk for any of these diseases

if you are dehydrated or have low fluid volume (eg, caused by diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking fluids)

if you have poor health or low blood sodium levels, you drink alcohol, or you have a history of alcohol abuse