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Motrin PM

Generic name: diphenhydramine and ibuprofen

Brand names: Advil PM, Advil PM Liqui-Gels, Ibuprofen PM, Motrin PM

Used for sleeplessness
Last updated November 2, 2026 0 views
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What is Motrin PM?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Motrin PM is a combination medicine used to treat occasional sleeplessness related to minor aches and pains. Motrin PM is not for use in treating sleeplessness without pain, or sleep problems that occur often.

Motrin PM is for use in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Motrin PM may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

How should I take Motrin PM?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that works for your condition.

Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Motrin PM is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.

Take this medicine with food or milk if it makes your stomach upset.

Do not take this medicine for longer than 10 days without your doctor's advice.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor in advance if you have taken this medicine in the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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Warnings

Ibuprofen can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use Motrin PM just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be deadly.

Use this medicine exactly as instructed. Taking too much diphenhydramine can result in serious heart issues, seizures, coma, or death.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before taking this medicine

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you do not have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These issues can happen without warning while you are using Motrin PM, especially in older adults.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or ibuprofen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

  • heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
  • stomach ulcers or bleeding;
  • a breathing problem, such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • glaucoma;
  • enlarged prostate or problems with urination; or
  • if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Taking ibuprofen during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy may lead to serious kidney problems in the unborn baby.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

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Motrin PM side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, swelling in your legs, feeling short of breath.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

  • any skin rash, no matter how mild;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might faint;
  • signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
  • kidney problems--little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
  • liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, feeling tired, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Motrin PM may include:

  • drowsiness;
  • daytime drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling;
  • upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;
  • dry mouth, nose, or throat;
  • blurred vision;
  • mild itching or rash; or
  • ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Motrin PM is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next one, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

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What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how Motrin PM will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may also contain diphenhydramine or ibuprofen. Also avoid using diphenhydramine anti-itch medicine on your skin.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect Motrin PM?

Ask your doctor before using Motrin PM if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Motrin PM with any other medications, especially:

  • a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
  • a diuretic or "water pill"; or
  • diphenhydramine (Benadryl) used on the skin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Motrin PM, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.