Took Too Much Ibuprofen? Symptoms and When to Go to the ER
If you have taken more ibuprofen than the packet or your doctor says, get medical advice straight away, even if you feel fine. Call 911 if the person is drowsy, confused, has trouble breathing, has a seizure, collapses, or vomits blood or passes black stools.
Do not take any more ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory painkillers until a doctor or pharmacist tells you it is safe, and do not try to make yourself or anyone else vomit.
Need help now? Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency, or reach our 24/7 line.
Key takeaways
- Taking more ibuprofen than the packet says needs medical advice the same day, even if you feel well.
- Stomach pain, nausea and vomiting are common early signs; drowsiness, confusion, breathing trouble or a seizure are emergencies.
- Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like stools means 911.
- Do not make yourself vomit, and do not take more of any painkiller until a clinician says so.
- Bring the packet to the ER so the team can see exactly what was taken and when.
Ibuprofen is one of the most common painkillers in Jordanian homes, so it is easy to take a second dose by mistake, or to take several products that both contain it. Most small mistakes cause only an upset stomach, but larger amounts can harm the stomach, kidneys and nervous system, and a child who swallows tablets is always a reason to call for help. This page explains the warning signs and when to go to the ER. For paracetamol, which behaves very differently, see our paracetamol overdose guide.
What are the signs of taking too much ibuprofen?
Signs can start within hours, and some people have none at first. Possible signs include:
- Stomach pain, heartburn, nausea or vomiting.
- Drowsiness, dizziness or headache.
- Ringing in the ears or blurred vision.
- Passing much less urine than usual.
- Black or tar-like stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, which suggest bleeding in the stomach.
- In serious cases, slow or difficult breathing, confusion, fits or collapse.
What should I do right now?
If the overdose was on purpose, you are not alone and help is available. Please still go to the ER now or call 911, and tell someone you trust.
- Stop taking ibuprofen and any other anti-inflammatory painkiller, including cold and flu products that contain it.
- Work out what was taken, how much and when, and keep the packet or photograph it.
- Do not make the person vomit and do not give home remedies.
- Get medical advice now: go to the ER or call 911 if there are any red flags below or you are unsure how much was taken.
- Stay with the person, especially a child or someone who feels drowsy.
Who is at higher risk of harm from ibuprofen?
Anyone can be harmed by too much, but extra care is needed for young children, older adults, people with kidney, heart or stomach problems, people who are pregnant, people who are dehydrated, and anyone taking blood thinners or other regular medicines. Tell the doctor about all of these. If a child may have swallowed tablets, also read what to do if a child swallows medicine.
Ibuprofen mistake: how worried should I be?
| Situation | Typical signs | When it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Took an extra dose by mistake | Feel well or mild stomach upset | Hours | Stop it and call a doctor or pharmacist for advice |
| Unsure how much was taken | May feel well, or have nausea and stomach pain | Hours | Go to the ER with the packet |
| Child swallowed tablets | May look well at first | Any time | Go to the ER or call 911 even if the child seems fine |
| Drowsy, confused, fits, breathing trouble or vomiting blood | Looks unwell | Any time | Call 911 |
When is this an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the ER now if:
- Drowsiness, confusion or difficulty staying awake.
- Slow, shallow or difficult breathing.
- A seizure (fit) or collapse.
- Vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
- Black, tar-like stools.
- Severe or worsening stomach pain.
- A child or baby who may have swallowed tablets, even if they look well.
Do any of these match? For a life-threatening emergency call 911. For other urgent problems, our Dabouq emergency department is open 24/7.
See a doctor the same day if:
- You took more than the packet says but feel well and are unsure what it means.
- Nausea, stomach pain or heartburn after taking too much.
- Much less urine than usual after an extra dose.
- You have kidney, heart or stomach problems, are pregnant, or take blood thinners and took an extra dose.
May be managed at home, with follow-up, if:
- You are certain it was one extra dose, you feel completely well, and a doctor or pharmacist has told you that watching at home is fine.
- No stomach pain, vomiting, drowsiness or change in urine.
- Someone responsible can stay with you and call for help if anything changes.
What happens when you come to Emergency Plus?
At the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, emergency doctors are on site 24/7 and you can walk in without an appointment. The team will ask about your symptoms, check you, and may use the on-site X-ray, ultrasound or laboratory where they are needed. They will explain the right next step for you, in Arabic or English.
Took too much ibuprofen and not sure?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and don't drive yourself. For anything urgent that is not life-threatening, the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 with no appointment, with an Arabic and English speaking team.
Call our 24/7 ER: +962 79 247 1313Sources
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 — +962 79 247 1313.