What is the usual adult dose for ibuprofen for pain relief?

The usual adult dose for ibuprofen when used for pain relief is typically 200 mg to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. This dosing range is established based on clinical studies and guidelines, ensuring effective pain management while minimizing the risk of adverse effects associated with higher doses or more frequent administration.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. The recommended dosing allows for adequate control of discomfort while balancing safety and efficacy. The flexibility in dosing (200 mg to 400 mg) accommodates varying levels of pain and individual patient responses.

Choosing a dose outside this range, such as 100 mg or 500 mg, would not align with the established guidelines for effective pain management in adults. The lower dose may not provide sufficient relief for moderate to severe pain, while the higher dose increases the risk of side effects without substantially improving pain control in most cases. Hence, option C accurately reflects the typical dosing recommendation.