Giving Your Child Ibuprofen Safely
IBUPROFEN DOSAGES (Liquid, Chewable, Tablet)
It is best to give your child the dose based on his or her weight. If you do not know your child's weight, use the age to figure out the dose. Do NOT give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months.
|
Weight
(lbs
kgs)
|
Age
|
Dosage
(mg)
|
Liquid
Strength=
100 mg per 5 mL
|
INFANT Liquid
Strength=
50 mg per 1.25 mL
|
Chewable tablet
50 mg
|
Chewable tablet
100 mg
|
Tablet
200 mg
(can swallow a pill)
|
|
12–17 lbs
5.4-7.7 kgs
|
6–11 months
|
50 mg
|
2.5 mL
|
1.25 mL
|
DO NOT USE
|
DO NOT USE
|
DO NOT USE
|
|
18–23 lbs
8.1-10.4 kgs
|
12–23 months
|
75 mg
|
3.75 mL
|
1.875 mL
|
DO NOT USE
|
DO NOT USE
|
DO NOT USE
|
|
24–35 lbs
10.8-15.8 kgs
|
2–3 years
|
100 mg
|
5 mL
|
2.5 mL
|
2
|
1
|
DO NOT USE
|
|
36–47 lbs
16.3-21.3 kgs
|
4–5 years
|
150 mg
|
7.5 mL
|
3.75 mL
|
3
|
1½
|
DO NOT USE
|
|
48–59 lbs
21.7-26.7 kgs
|
6–8 years
|
200 mg
|
10 mL
|
5 mL
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
|
60–71 lbs
27.2-32.2 kgs
|
9–10 years
|
250 mg
|
12.5 mL
|
-
|
5
|
2½
|
1
|
|
72–95 lbs
32.6-43.0 kgs
|
11 years
|
300 mg
|
15 mL
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
1
|
|
Over
95 lbs
43.0 kgs
|
Over
11 years
|
400 mg
|
20 mL
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
2
|
Abbreviations: mg = milligram; mL = milliliter; lbs = pounds; kgs = kilograms
Ibuprofen is a pain reliever that is often used for children. It brings down fevers and is an anti-inflammatory (a medicine that reduces swelling and irritation). It is very important to give the right dose of ibuprofen for your child's weight.
Ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand) comes in different forms:
Ask your health care provider which form of ibuprofen is right for your child.
Strength
When you give your child ibuprofen, always check the strength listed on the label:
-
For liquid medicine, strength means how many milligrams (mg) of medicine are in a certain amount of liquid. Liquid medicines are measured in milliliters (mL). There are 2 strengths of ibuprofen liquid for children:
-
100 mg per 5 mL
-
50 mg per 1.25 mL
-
For a tablet or pill, strength means how many milligrams are in each. For example:
Dosing and Measuring
-
Give the ibuprofen exactly as directed.
-
Make sure you know your child's weight so that you can give the correct dose.
-
Use the measuring tool (cup or syringe) that came with that medicine. Do not use a kitchen spoon to measure any liquid medicine.
-
If you have INFANT ibuprofen, you will need to give a much smaller amount than you would give when using the regular liquid.
Safety
-
Check with your child's health care provider about giving any other medicines while your child is on ibuprofen. It could be dangerous to take some medicines along with ibuprofen.
-
Be sure your child eats or drinks before taking ibuprofen. Taking it on an empty stomach can cause discomfort.
-
Keep a list of the times ibuprofen is given so extra doses are not accidentally given.
-
You have any questions.
-
Your child's pain or fever is not getting better.
-
You accidentally gave your child more than the recommended dose.
-
Your child is peeing less than usual or has an upset stomach that started after taking ibuprofen.
-
Your child is getting worse or not improving.
-
Your child develops new symptoms.
© 2022 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Used and adapted under license by your health care provider. This information is for general use only. For specific medical advice or questions, consult your health care professional. KH-1806