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 ½
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: 

• liquid (also called a suspension) 
• chewable tablet 
• pill to swallow

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:
  • Chewable tablet labels should say "50 mg each" or "100 mg each."
  • Pill labels should say "200 mg each.”

Dosing and Measuring

• Give the ibuprofen exactly as directed.
  • Do not give it more often than is recommended. 
  • Do not give a larger dose than is recommended.
• 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.