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Pain Relief Dosing Directions for Adults

It is important to note that maximum daily doses and labeling instructions differ between Canada and the United States. The information provided below is applicable to product sold in Canada only.

This table shows examples of maximum daily ADULT doses for various pain relievers sold in Canada. Always carefully read and follow the label directions before using any over the counter medication. Click here for dosing on TYLENOL® pediatric products.


Pain reliever

Maximum daily dose

Recommended dose and frequency

Daily maximum number of caplets/tablets

Extra Strength Acetaminophen (e.g. Extra Strength TYLENOL®)

4000 mg

1 pill every 4 to 6 hours.

If pain or fever does not respond to 1 pill, take 2 pills at the next dose.


8 tablets (500 mg each)

Regular Strength Acetaminophen (e.g. Regular Strength TYLENOL®)

4000 mg

1 pill every 4 to 6 hours.

If pain or fever does not respond to 1 pill, take 2 pills at the next dose.

12 tablets (325 mg each)

Naproxen (e.g. Aleve®)

440 mg

1 pill every 8 to 12 hours.

Dosing for naproxen sodium is limited to adults and children 12-65 years of age only.

2 caplets (220 mg each)

Regular Strength ASA
(e.g. Aspirin®)

4000 mg

1-2 pills every 4 to 6 hours.

IMPORTANT: Dosing for ASPIRIN® products is for adults > or = 18 years of age

12 tablets (325 mg each)

TYLENOL® Arthritis Pain, TYLENOL® Muscle & Body

3900 mg

2 pills every 8 hours.

6 caplets per day (650 mg Extended Release Caplets)

Ibuprofen 200 mg (e.g. ADVIL® Regular Strength/MOTRIN® Regular Strength)

1200 mg

Motrin: 1-2 pills every 4 to 6 hours.

Advil: 1 pill every 4 hours or 2 pills every 6 to 8 hours.

6 caplets (200 mg each)

Ibuprofen 300 mg (e.g. MOTRIN® Extra Strength)

1200 mg

1 pill every 4 to 6 hours.

4 caplets (300 mg each)

Ibuprofen 400 mg (e.g. ADVIL® Extra Strength/MOTRIN® Super Strength)

1200 mg

Motrin: 1 pill every 4 to 6 hours.

Advil: 1 pill every 6 to 8 hours.

3 caplets (400 mg each)


Visit www.GetReliefResponsibly.ca for a list of other common medicines you may be taking that contain acetaminophen. Get medical help or contact a local Poison Control Centre right away if you suspect an overdose, even if you do not have any symptoms, including: increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and/or loss of appetite.

Click here for more information on Poison Control Centres in Canada.

Please consult product labelling or company websites for information regarding non-Kenvue manufactured products (e.g. Advil® (GSK/Haleon), Aleve®/Aspirin® (Bayer)), including the most up-to-date information regarding product dosing. It is important to always read and follow the product label. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare professional which product may be right for you.

What you can do

Take only 1 medicine that contains the same kind of medicinal ingredient at the same time.

Why?

If you take more than 1 medicine with the same kind of medicinal ingredient at a time, it can increase your chance of harmful side effects.

Exceeding the Recommended Dosage

In case of overdose, you should get medical help right away or contact your local Poison Control Centre, even if you do not notice any possible signs or symptoms such as increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and/or loss of appetite.

Click here for more information on Poison Control Centres in Canada.

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