Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
The recommended starting dosage of
Motrin for most people with
rheumatoid arthritis or
osteoarthritis is 1200 mg to 3200 mg daily. This daily dose is split up into several smaller doses throughout the day. For example, your Motrin dosing schedule may be one of the following:
- Motrin 300 mg four times a day
- Motrin 400 mg three or four times a day
- Motrin 600 mg three or four times a day
- Motrin 800 mg three or four times a day.
When a lower dosage of Motrin is started, if pain is still present after several weeks, your healthcare provider may choose to increase your dose up to a maximum of Motrin 3200 mg per day. If pain still does not improve, your healthcare provider may recommend other options for pain relief.
It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of developing serious side effects. Also, if you are taking Motrin to help relieve
arthritis symptoms, such as joint inflammation, it may take one to two weeks for it to work to its full potential. However, Motrin helps to relieve pain in about one hour.
General Motrin Dosage Information
Some considerations for people taking Motrin include:
- If using over-the-counter Motrin products (Children's Motrin, Infant Motrin, Motrin IB, or Motrin Cold and Sinus) you should follow the instructions on the label. Do not exceed the recommended over-the-counter doses for Motrin and do not take Motrin for more than 10 days for pain relief or 3 days for fever unless your healthcare provider recommends it.
- Your Motrin dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent an upset stomach.
- For Motrin to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Motrin will not work if you take it in a way other than the one your healthcare provider prescribes.
- If you do not take your Motrin as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take double the dose at one time or take with other NSAIDs. It is okay to take it with acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
- If you are unsure about anything related to Motrin or the dosage of Motrin, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking prescription Motrin without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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