Pain Relief
Pain Relief: Advil Ibuprofen Caplets & Liquid-Gels
When pain strikes, you want the right relief fast. This is where we keep trusted Advil (ibuprofen) for everyday aches, headaches, muscle and joint pain and period pain, in both standard caplets and faster-absorbing liquid-gels, with honest guidance so you choose the right pain reliever for your situation.
Shop by need
Match your situation to the right Advil:
Everyday aches & pain
Advil Coated Caplets are the cupboard staple: 200 mg ibuprofen for headaches, muscle, joint, dental and period pain, in a large value bottle.
Faster-acting relief
Advil Liquid-Gels hold the ibuprofen already dissolved, so it can absorb faster, handy when you want a bad headache or acute pain to ease sooner.
Pain plus sleep
Advil PM pairs ibuprofen with a sleep aid for night-time pain that keeps you awake. Stock comes and goes, check the page for current availability.
Advil or Tylenol, which should you take? Our guide explains the key difference between ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which works best for headache, muscle or period pain, and whether you can safely take them together.
Which pain reliever for which pain?
| For… | Reach for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle, joint, dental & period pain | Advil (ibuprofen) | An anti-inflammatory, so it tackles the swelling behind the pain. |
| Headache or fever | Advil or acetaminophen | Both work; acetaminophen is gentler on the stomach if needed. |
| Faster onset | Advil Liquid-Gels | The ibuprofen is pre-dissolved, so it can absorb sooner. |
| Night-time pain | Advil PM | Ibuprofen plus a sleep aid; for night use only, not daytime. |
Use pain relievers sensibly
Advil is an NSAID, so take it with food, use the lowest dose that controls your pain for the shortest time, and do not exceed the daily maximum on the label. Do not combine two NSAIDs (for example Advil with Aleve or aspirin), though Advil and acetaminophen can generally be taken together since they work differently. Do not use Advil for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without seeing a doctor.
When to see a doctor
Over-the-counter pain relievers are for everyday, short-term pain. See a doctor for pain that is severe, unexplained, or not improving, and check with a doctor or pharmacist before using Advil if you have stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney, heart or blood-pressure problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are over 65, or take blood thinners or other regular medication. Seek urgent care for black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, or chest pain, these can be signs of a serious problem, not ordinary pain.