Advil (ibuprofen) is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Advil is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.
Advil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Most important: Advil can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Advil. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
Advil can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole).
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Do not take more of Advil than is recommended. An overdose of Advil can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. Use only the smallest amount of Advil needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.