Is 800 mg three times a day (TID) a safe dosage?

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Last updated: June 4, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The safety of 800 mg three times a day cannot be determined without knowing the specific medication, as the safety and efficacy of this dosage vary greatly depending on the drug in question. To assess the safety of this dosage, it's crucial to consider the medication's pharmacokinetics, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications, as well as the patient's health status, including age, weight, kidney and liver function, and any existing medical conditions 1. For instance, the provided evidence discusses various medications and their recommended dosages for treating infections and neuropathic pain, highlighting the importance of medication-specific guidance:

  • For some antibiotics like amoxicillin-clavulanate, doses are specified, but 800 mg TID is not mentioned directly in the context of the provided studies 1.
  • In the management of neuropathic pain, medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin have specific dosage recommendations, with gabapentin's dosage increasing by 100-300 mg as tolerated, and pregabalin starting at 50 mg three times daily or 75 mg twice daily, with increases as needed and tolerated up to a maximum dosage 1. Given the variability in medication dosages and the potential for serious adverse effects, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if 800 mg TID is a safe and appropriate dosage for a specific medication and individual patient. They can provide personalized advice based on the patient's unique health profile and the medication's characteristics, ensuring the dosage is both effective and safe. Never adjust medication dosages without professional medical guidance.

From the Research

Dosage Information

  • The dosage of 800 mg three times a day (TID) is not directly mentioned in the provided studies as a recommended or safe dosage for any specific condition.
  • However, a study 2 mentions the use of ibuprofen 3 x 400 mg oral, which is equivalent to 1200 mg per day, for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
  • Another study 3 uses ibuprofen at 2.5 or 7.5 mg/kg orally, which would be a much lower dosage than 800 mg TID for an average adult.

Safety and Efficacy

  • The study 2 found that ibuprofen was effective in treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections, with 58.3% of patients in the ibuprofen group being symptom-free on Day 4.
  • The study 3 found that ibuprofen combined with antibiotics improved the outcome of experimental pneumococcal acute otitis media.
  • However, the safety and efficacy of 800 mg TID dosage is not directly addressed in these studies.

Pharmaceutical Interactions

  • A study 4 investigated the molecular interactions between ibuprofen and other compounds, but did not provide information on the safety or efficacy of 800 mg TID dosage.
  • Another study 5 found that ibuprofen at 128 microg/mL significantly reduced biofilm formation in some pneumococcal strains, but this is a much lower concentration than 800 mg TID.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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