Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Advil

Adult Pain Management

What is Advil effective for?

Advil temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache, back pain, muscle pain, period pain, dental pain, arthritis pain, sore throat pain, symptoms of cold and flu. Advil also temporarily reduces fever.
How does Advil work?

Body chemicals called prostaglandins produces pain and fever. Advil acts by blocking the body's production of prostaglandins, therefore reducing pain and fever.
What is the difference between Advil Tablets and Advil Liquid Capsules?

Each Advil dosage form is effective for the indications on the label. It is a personal choice as to which dosage form is preferred.

Advil Liquid Capsules contain solubilized ibuprofen, which is a form that quickly absorbs into the body for fast pain relief.

Advil Tablets are the original round form of Advil which has been providing fast pain relief for years.
How does Advil Liquid Capsules compare to other ibuprofen tablets?

In head-to-head clinical studies, Advil Liquid Capsules have been found to be absorbed 2X FASTER compared to standard ibuprofen tablets.¹
How are Advil Liquid Capsules different from other pain relievers?

Advil Liquid Capsules are manufactured using patented technology and contain a solubilised form of ibuprofen inside a soft capsule shell. The ibuprofen is in a liquid form it is absorbed fast, rushing relief to where you need it most.
If I have a headache, how is Advil different to paracetamol tablets?

Ibuprofen (such as that in Advil Tablets and Liquid Capsules) provides significantly greater pain relief compared to paracetamol for tough headaches (moderate to severe tension type headaches)².
What is the active ingredient of Advil?

The active ingredient is ibuprofen, a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
What does “solubilized ibuprofen” mean?

"Solubilized ibuprofen" is ibuprofen that has been completely dissolved in a liquid centre inside a soft capsule shell. In the case of Advil Liquid Capsules, the solubilized ibuprofen is in a liquid centre inside a soft capsule shell.
Does Advil contain aspirin?

No.
Do I have to take Advil with food?

It is not necessary to take Advil with food. However, it may help to take it with food or milk if an upset stomach occurs. Consult your doctor before taking any analgesic if you have a sensitive stomach or a history of stomach problems such as heartburn, upset stomach or stomach pain.
Is Advil easy to swallow?

Advil product forms (Liquid Capsules and Tablets) are easy to swallow.
How long does the effect of Advil Tablets and Liquid Capsules last?

Advil can provide up to 4– 6 hours of effective pain relief.
Can I use my pack of Advil beyond the expiration date?

It is not recommended to use the product past its expiration date as the effectiveness of the ingredients is only assured until the date printed on the package.
Can Advil be taken with herbal supplements?

Herbal supplements may contain complex formulations of ingredients that can interact with medications. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking herbal supplements before taking Advil.
Can Advil be taken with other OTC medications, e.g. other analgesics, antibiotics, cold remedies, etc.?

We recommend that you contact your physician if you are using other specific medications before taking Advil. Advil should not be taken with any other product containing paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medicine.
Can Advil be taken with nutritional supplements?

While Advil can be taken with nutritional supplements, it is recommended that you discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Advil.
Will this product interact with my prescription medication?

As with any medication, before taking Advil, you should discuss using Advil or any pain reliever with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any condition that requires taking a prescription medication.
Will the pain-relieving effect of Advil diminish with long-term use?

No. Build-up of tolerance has not been observed. However, bear in mind that over-the-counter pain relievers (Advil or otherwise) should not be used for longer than a few days unless directed by a physician.
Can I take Advil if I am pregnant or nursing a baby?

As with any medication, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, you should seek the advice of a healthcare professional before using an Advil product. It is especially important not to use ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy.
Does Advil make you sleepy?

Drowsiness is not an expected effect when doses of product are taken as directed on the label.
Is ibuprofen addictive? Will it cause withdrawal symptoms?

No. Ibuprofen is not habit forming, nor does it demonstrate addictive properties. Withdrawal symptoms have not been observed. Advil is nonnarcotic.
Does Advil cause ulcers?

Ibuprofen may cause ulcers but usually at higher prescription doses or when administered for long periods of time. Studies have proven that Advil is safe and effective when taken as directed. If you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, consult your doctor before using Advil.
Will Advil cure my arthritis?

There is no known cure for arthritis. Advil (at the recommended OTC dose) is indicated for the temporary relief of minor pain associated with arthritis. For more information on the appropriate treatment of arthritis, consult your healthcare professional.
Where can I buy Advil?

Advil can be purchased from your pharmacy and grocery retail outlets.

References:

Kellstein, David et al. Different formulations of ibuprofen liquid capsules have different absorption profiles. J Clin Pharmacol; 47; Abstract 91(2007).
Schachtel BP. Nonprescription Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen in the Treatment of Tension-Type Headache. J Clin Pharmacol 1996; 36:1120-1125

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How Advil Works

Advil Liquid Capsules 20’s

Advil Tablets 24’s

Headache

Back Pain

Frequently Asked Questions

Adult Pain Management

What is Advil effective for?

How does Advil work?

What is the difference between Advil Tablets and Advil Liquid Capsules?

How does Advil Liquid Capsules compare to other ibuprofen tablets?

How are Advil Liquid Capsules different from other pain relievers?

If I have a headache, how is Advil different to paracetamol tablets?

What is the active ingredient of Advil?

What does “solubilized ibuprofen” mean?

Does Advil contain aspirin?

Do I have to take Advil with food?

Is Advil easy to swallow?

How long does the effect of Advil Tablets and Liquid Capsules last?

Can I use my pack of Advil beyond the expiration date?

Can Advil be taken with herbal supplements?

Can Advil be taken with other OTC medications, e.g. other analgesics, antibiotics, cold remedies, etc.?

Can Advil be taken with nutritional supplements?

Will this product interact with my prescription medication?

Will the pain-relieving effect of Advil diminish with long-term use?

Can I take Advil if I am pregnant or nursing a baby?

Does Advil make you sleepy?

Is ibuprofen addictive? Will it cause withdrawal symptoms?

Does Advil cause ulcers?

Will Advil cure my arthritis?

Where can I buy Advil?