The short answer (adults and over-12s)
- Dose: 200–400 mg ibuprofen (1–2 standard tablets).
- How often: at least 4 hours between doses; the UK leaflet says up to three times a day.
- Maximum without medical advice: 1,200 mg in 24 hours (6 × 200 mg).
- How long: UK leaflets: see a doctor if you need it for more than 10 days (3 days for 12–18 year olds). Australian packs: no more than 3 days at a time unless a doctor advises.
Dose for each Nurofen product
All of these contain ibuprofen. What differs is the amount per tablet and how fast it is absorbed. Figures as printed on UK and Australian packs (Stand: November 2026); always follow your own pack.
| Product |
Ibuprofen per unit |
Adult dose |
Max in 24 h |
| Nurofen 200 mg tablets / caplets |
200 mg |
1–2 tablets |
6 tablets |
| Nurofen Express / liquid capsules (UK) |
200 mg (faster-absorbed form) |
1–2 capsules |
6 capsules |
| Nurofen Zavance (AU/NZ) |
256 mg ibuprofen sodium = 200 mg ibuprofen |
2 tablets first, then 1–2 every 4–6 h |
6 tablets |
| Nurofen Meltlets |
200 mg |
1–2 tablets dissolved on the tongue |
6 tablets |
| Nurofen Maximum Strength 400 mg (UK) |
400 mg |
1 tablet |
3 tablets |
| Nurofen Plus (UK pharmacy; AU prescription) |
200 mg + codeine 12.8 mg |
1–2 tablets |
6 tablets, max 3 days |
| Nurofen for Children |
Liquid, e.g. 100 mg/5 ml |
By age/weight on the pack; see children’s doses |
Note that a dose of “2 Zavance” or “2 Express” is still 400 mg of ibuprofen. Switching brands doesn’t give you a bigger allowance.
How often can you take Nurofen?
Leave at least 4 hours between doses. In practice that means a dose with breakfast, lunch and dinner, which also keeps your stomach protected. If pain wakes you at night, a dose at bedtime instead of with dinner works too. What you shouldn’t do is take a “top-up” tablet 2 hours after a dose because the first didn’t work: add paracetamol instead (see Nurofen and Panadol together).
Can you take more than 1,200 mg?
Doctors do prescribe up to 2,400 mg a day (and sometimes more) for conditions like arthritis, for a planned period. That is a decision for a prescriber, because the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney strain and heart problems rises with dose and duration. Don’t increase the dose on your own, and don’t take Nurofen with another anti-inflammatory such as diclofenac (Voltaren tablets), naproxen or aspirin for pain.
Who should take less or none
- Stomach ulcer, bleeding or severe reflux now or in the past: avoid unless a doctor says otherwise; see which ibuprofen is easiest on the stomach.
- Over 65: the lowest dose for the shortest time; paracetamol first.
- Kidney disease, heart failure, high blood pressure: ask first.
- Asthma that worsens with aspirin or NSAIDs: avoid.
- Pregnant, especially from 20 weeks: avoid unless a doctor advises.
- Blood thinners, steroids, SSRIs, lithium, methotrexate, ACE inhibitors or diuretics: check with a pharmacist.
If you’ve taken too much
One extra 200 mg tablet is unlikely to harm a healthy adult, but don’t take the next dose early. If you’ve taken much more than the maximum, or a child has taken any adult tablets, get advice now: Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26 (Australia), NHS 111 (UK) or Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 (US). Go to an emergency department for vomiting blood, black stools, severe stomach pain or drowsiness.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take 2 Nurofen every 4 hours?
No, not continuously. Two tablets every 4 hours would exceed 1,200 mg in a day. Two tablets up to three times a day is the maximum without medical advice.
Can I take 3 Nurofen at once?
Not without a doctor’s advice. The over-the-counter maximum single dose is 400 mg (two 200 mg tablets).
How often can I take Nurofen Zavance?
Two tablets to start, then one or two every 4–6 hours as needed, up to 6 tablets in 24 hours.
Does Nurofen contain paracetamol?
No. Standard Nurofen contains only ibuprofen; that’s why it can be combined with paracetamol.
Is Nurofen good for back pain?
Yes, a short course of ibuprofen helps many people with back pain, alongside staying active. See a doctor if pain lasts beyond a few weeks or comes with numbness, weakness or bladder problems.
Sources and further reading
CanforaMedicine Guide
