ibuprofen PM
Motrin PM is a combination of two medications: ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID) and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine). Motrin PM is used to help adults and children sleep while having minor aches and pains. Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) comes as tablets that are taken by mouth at bedtime. The combination of medications in Motrin PM (ibuprofen, diphenhydramine) can also be found as generics and under other brands, such as Advil PM. Common side effects include dizziness, stomach upset, and dry mouth.
What is Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)?
What is Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) used for?
Trouble falling asleep and staying sleeping due to minor aches and pains
How Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) works
Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) is a combination of two medications that work together to treat difficulty sleeping due to minor aches and pains.
Ibuprofen is an NSAID. It blocks proteins in your body called cyclooxygenase (COX)), which helps to treat pain, swelling, and fever.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine in the brain, which causes sleepiness.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)?
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Blurry vision
- Dry mouth
- Stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Skin rashes
Other Side Effects
- Confusion
- Trouble urinating
- Kidney problems
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
Serious Side Effects
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech, leg swelling
- Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin reddening
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Increase in blood pressure
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
Pros and cons of Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)
Pros
Good option for treating pain and difficulty sleeping
More convenient to take a combination medication within a single pill
Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
Possible option for children ages 12 years and older
Cons
Can't adjust the dose of a single ingredient since this is a fixed-dose combination
Ibuprofen in Motrin PM raises the risk of stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
Can make you sleepy during the day if you're not able to get a full night of rest
Pharmacist tips for Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)
Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) is meant to be used as temporarily to treat trouble sleeping from pain. Let your healthcare team know if your pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days or sleeplessness lasts for more than 2 weeks. Also tell them if you start to have redness or swelling in the painful area. These might be signs that you have a condition that needs more medical attention.
You can take Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) with or without food. But you might want to take it with food or milk because ibuprofen commonly causes nausea and stomach irritation.
Ibuprofen in Motrin PM raises the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. Seek medical help right away if you experience unexplained vomiting, stomach pain, dark-colored stools, or blood in your vomit or stool.
Ibuprofen in Motrin PM can make blood pressure medications not work as well. If you have high blood pressure, ask your healthcare professional (HCP) if you need to check your blood pressure more often when you're taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine). Or, they might recommend using a different medication, depending on how well your blood pressure is controlled.
Diphenhydramine in Motrin PM can make you sleepy or dizzy during the day, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. Taking 1 tablet at night instead of 2 tablets can help. You should only take Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) if you can get a full night's sleep. Don't drive until you know how the medication affects you.
Don't take Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) with other antihistamines or NSAIDs. Doing so can raise your risk of overdose and severe side effects, including kidney problems, seizures, and stomach bleed. Ask your primary care provider or pharmacist if you're not sure if you're already taking an NSAID or antihistamine.
If you're taking aspirin for your heart and a member of your care team said it was safe to also take Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine), make sure to take Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) at least 8 hours before taking aspirin or 30 minutes after taking aspirin. Taking both medications at the same time will lower the amount of aspirin your body will absorb.
If you're allergic to aspirin, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before starting Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) because you might be allergic to this medication as well.
Store Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) up and away from children and pets so they're less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication. Call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222 if you think your child accidentally took it.
Frequently asked questions about Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)
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What are the risks and warnings for Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)?
Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Stomach bleeding and ulcers
Risk factors: Older adults | History of stomach bleeding or ulcers | Bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking other medications that raise your risk of bleeds | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) for a long time
Ibuprofen in Motrin PM can raise your risk for serious stomach problems, including bleeding and ulcers (sores). Stomach bleeding is a dangerous condition that requires treatment right away. Serious stomach problems can happen with or without warning or symptoms while you're taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine). Your risk for stomach bleeds is even higher if you're taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) also taking other medications that can put you at risk, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants).
Tell your care team about all of your medical conditions and medications before you start Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) so they can talk with you about your risk for stomach bleeding. Seek medical help right away if you're feeling faint, vomiting blood, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort that doesn't go away while you're taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine).
Heart attack and stroke
Risk factors: Heart problems | Taking higher doses of Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) | Taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) for a long time | Past or planned heart surgery
Ibuprofen in Motrin PM can raise your risk of having blood clots, which sometimes lead to a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your healthcare professional (HCP) before you take Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) if you have heart problems. Don't take Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) if you've recently had or will be having heart surgery. Call 911 or get immediate help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.
High blood pressure and heart failure
Risk factors: Heart problems | High blood pressure
Ibuprofen in Motrin PM can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure or put you at risk for heart failure. Tell your primary care provider if you have a history of heart problems or if you're taking blood pressure medications before you start taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) to make sure it's safe for you. Contact your HCP if you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while you're taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine).
Kidney damage
Risk factors: Older adults | Kidney or liver problems | Heart failure | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems
Ibuprofen in Motrin PM can damage your kidneys by slowing down blood flow to the kidneys. Your risk is higher if you're of older age, have certain medical problems like diabetes, or take other medications that can cause kidney problems. Your HCP might order lab tests to check your kidney health before and during long-term treatment with Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine). Contact your HCP if you develop any signs or symptoms of kidney failure, including changes in your need to urinate, tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, and muscle cramps. Your HCP might suggest that you stop taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) and switch to a safer medication.
Liver problems
Risk factors: History of liver problems
Though rare, ibuprofen in Motrin PM can cause serious liver problems that can lead to liver failure. Get medical attention right away if you notice swelling of your stomach; stomach pain; yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools); dark or brown urine; nausea, vomiting; or confusion. These can be signs of liver damage. Your HCP can examine you for liver problems, and you might need to stop using the medication to prevent further liver damage.
Severe allergic reactions
Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy
Severe allergic reactions to Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) are possible. These can include life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis. Tell your primary care provider if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before you start taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine). Seek medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing after you use Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine).
Although rare, ibuprofen can also cause serious skin reactions. Stop using Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) and get medical help right away if you notice changes in your skin such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling.
Harm to unborn babies
Risk factors: Currently in second or third trimester of pregnancy
Ibuprofen in Motrin PM can cause harm to your unborn baby, especially if it's taken in the second half of pregnancy (after week 20). It can cause serious complications, such as heart or kidney problems in your unborn baby or problems during delivery. Speak to your HCP about the risks and benefits of taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) if you're pregnant before taking this medication. Ask whether there are safer alternatives.
Sleepiness
Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Age 65 and older
Diphenhydramine in Motrin PM can make you sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you're over 65 years old, drink alcohol while you're taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine), or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines). It's best to avoid alcohol and other medications that might make you sleepy while you're taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Worsening of medical conditions
Risk factors: History of serious side effects from other pain relievers | Stomach problems | Kidney disease | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Glaucoma | Urinary conditions
Don't take Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your prescriber said it was safe to do so. Taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your HCP knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine).
Accidental overdose
Motrin PM contains an NSAID (ibuprofen) and an antihistamine (diphenhydramine), which are in many other over-the-counter products. Taking more than one medication containing an NSAID or antihistamine, including products used on the skin, can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects, including kidney failure, seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), daytime sleepiness, stomach bleed, heart attack, stroke, or even death. Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about the medications you take before starting Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) to make sure it's safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) without talking to your HCP or pharmacist. To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an NSAID or antihistamine, ask your pharmacist. If you or your loved one experiences an accidental overdose, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg/38mg | 80 tablets | $15.20 | $0.19 |
Typical dosing for Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)
Each tablet (or caplet) contains 38 mg of diphenhydramine citrate and 200 mg of ibuprofen.
Adults and children ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 tablets by mouth every night at bedtime. Don't take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.
Children under 12 years old: Don't take. Ask your child's pediatrician.
How much does Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) cost?
Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) contraindications
History of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or another NSAID
Right before or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), a type of open heart surgery
Not able to have full night's sleep
Children under 12 years old
Taking another medication containing diphenhydramine, including topical medications
What are alternatives to Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)?
Trouble falling asleep and staying sleeping due to minor aches and pains
Trouble falling asleep and staying sleeping due to minor aches and pains
Short-term relief of occasional headaches, minor aches, and minor pains that cause trouble sleeping
What is the latest news about Motrin PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)?
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References
Best studies we foundAmazon.com Services LLC. (2024). Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen PM- ibuprofen and diphenhydramine citrate tablet, coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Beaver, W. T. (2003). Review of the analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen. International Journal of Clinical Practice. Supplement.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (2023). Motrin PM- ibuprofen and diphenhydramine citrate tablet, coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). What is coronary artery bypass grafting?
National Kidney Foundation. (2020). 10 signs you may have kidney disease.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Information about taking ibuprofen and aspirin together.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.
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