Ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil)

Chewable Tablets 100 mg    

May Give Every 6 hours             
  • 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - 1 tab.
  • 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 1-1/2 tab.
  • 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 2 tab.
  • 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 2-1/2 tab.
 

Chewable Tablets 50 mg    

May Give Every 6 hours    
  • 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - 2 tab.
  • 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 3 tab.
  • 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 4 tab.
  • 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 5 tab.
 

DROPS 50 mg/1.25mL*    

May Give Every 6 hours     
  • 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. - 1 dppr.1.25mL
  • 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. - 1-1/2 dppr. 1.875mL
  • 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - 2 dppr. 2.5mL
  • 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 3 dppr. 3.75mL
 

Suspension 100 mg/5 ml    

May Give Every 6 hours     
  • 12-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. - 2.5mL or 1/2 tsp.
  • 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. - 4mL or 3/4 tsp.
  • 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - 5mL or 1 tsp.
  • 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 7.5mL or 1-1/2 tsp.
  • 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 10mL or 2 tsp.
  • 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 12.5mL or 2-1/2 tsp.
 

Tablets 200 mg    

May Give Every 6 hours                     
  • 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 1 tab.
  • 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 1-1/2 tab.
 
* CAUTION: We recommend that you use the dropper or dosage cup that comes with your medicine to avoid overdosage. Dosage recommendations on bottles may vary from the recommendation on these pages. We would like you to use our recommended dosages unless your health care provider has given you a different (usually higher!) dosage. Aspirin should not be given to your child.

Ibuprofen Dosing Table for Fever and Pain

Ibuprofen (also known as Motrin and Advil) is a medicine used to reduce fever and pain. It is an "over-the-counter" medicine, meaning that you can get it without a doctor's prescription.

This table can help you figure out the right amount to give. (Find a print-friendly version here.) Use your child's weight to decide on the right amount to give. If you do not know your child's weight, use your child's age. Be sure to check with your child's doctor to make sure you are giving the right amount.

*Table notes:

  • Age of child: Do not use ibuprofen in children who are less than 6 months old unless your child's doctor tells you to. This is because it has not been found to be safe in children less than 6 months old. The use of the medicine in children less than 6 months is also not approved by the FDA. It is also best not to give medicines with more than one ingredient in it to children less than 6 years of age.

  • Measuring the dose for liquid medicines (should be in "mL" or metric units): It is easier to give the right amount of liquid medicine when using a syringe than when using a kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon. Use the syringe or dosing cup that comes with the medicine. If a tool does not come with the medicine, ask your pharmacist for one.

  • Ibuprofen drops: Ibuprofen infant drops come with a measuring syringe

  • Adult dose: 400 mg

  • How often to give the medicine (frequency): You can give ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours if needed.

More information

Last Updated: 8/31/2023
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (Copyright © 2023​)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Chewable Tablets 100 mg    

May Give Every 6 hours             
  • 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - 1 tab.
  • 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 1-1/2 tab.
  • 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 2 tab.
  • 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 2-1/2 tab.
 

Chewable Tablets 50 mg    

May Give Every 6 hours    
  • 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - 2 tab.
  • 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 3 tab.
  • 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 4 tab.
  • 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 5 tab.
 

DROPS 50 mg/1.25mL*    

May Give Every 6 hours     
  • 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. - 1 dppr.1.25mL
  • 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. - 1-1/2 dppr. 1.875mL
  • 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - 2 dppr. 2.5mL
  • 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 3 dppr. 3.75mL
 

Suspension 100 mg/5 ml    

May Give Every 6 hours     
  • 12-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. - 2.5mL or 1/2 tsp.
  • 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. - 4mL or 3/4 tsp.
  • 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - 5mL or 1 tsp.
  • 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 7.5mL or 1-1/2 tsp.
  • 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 10mL or 2 tsp.
  • 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 12.5mL or 2-1/2 tsp.
 

Tablets 200 mg    

May Give Every 6 hours                     
  • 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 1 tab.
  • 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 1-1/2 tab.
 
* CAUTION: We recommend that you use the dropper or dosage cup that comes with your medicine to avoid overdosage. Dosage recommendations on bottles may vary from the recommendation on these pages. We would like you to use our recommended dosages unless your health care provider has given you a different (usually higher!) dosage. Aspirin should not be given to your child.
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