Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Dosing

Ibuprofen is generally not recommended for children younger than 6 months of age, because the medication has not been extensively studied in younger infants. It is probably safe even for younger infants and may be recommended by your doctor on occasion.

Children with a known or possible allergy to ibuprofen or aspirin should not take this medication without speaking first to a physician. Children with kidney disease or chickenpox should not take ibuprofen without first talking with a doctor. Children who are taking oral steroids or other non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications (such as naproxen) should not take ibuprofen without first consulting with a physician.

Ibuprofen may be taken as often as every 6 hours. In general, children should not take more than 3 doses of ibuprofen per day.

WeightDoseInfant Drops
(50 mg/1.25 ml)
Child Liquid
(100 mg/5 ml)
Chewables
50 mg
Chewables
100 mg
Caplets
100 mg
12-17 lbs50 mg 1.25 ml2.5 ml   
18-21 lbs75 mg1.875 ml4 ml   
22-32 lbs100 mg2.5 ml5 ml   
33-43 lbs150 mg3.75 ml7.5 ml31 ½ 
 44-54 lbs 200 mg5 ml10 ml422
 55-65 lbs250 mg 12.5 ml52 ½2 ½
 66-76 lbs300 mg 15 ml633
77-87 lbs350 mg 17.5 ml73 ½3 ½
88-98 lbs400 mg  20 ml844