Table 1

Recommended Maximum Doses of Step 1 Analgesics

Drug
Recommended maximum dose

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
650 mg po q4h
Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA, Aspirin)
650 mg po q4h
Ibuprofen (Motrin)
800 mg po qid
Choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate)
1500 mg po tid
Diclofenac (Voltaren)
50 mg po qid or 75 mg po tid SR
Diflunisal (Dolobid)
500 mg po tid
Etodolac (Lodine)
400 mg po tid
Indomethacin (Indocin)
50 mg po qid
Ketoprofen (Orudis)
75 mg po qid
Nabumetone (Relafen)
1 g po bid
Naproxen (Naprosyn)
500 mg po tid
Sulindac (Clinoril)
200 mg po bid
Ketorolac (Toradol)
60 mg IM/IV then 30 mg IV/IM q 6 h or 10 mg po qid not to exceed 5 days

Ferris et al. BMC Palliative Care 2002 1:5   doi:10.1186/1472-684X-1-5