When to Use: Treatment of fever and pain.
How to Use Dose Table: Find the child’s weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.
| Child’s weight (pounds) | 12-17 | 18-23 | 24-35 | 36-47 | 48-59 | 60-71 | 72-95 | 96+ | lbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Drops 50 mg/ 1.25 mL | 1.25 | 1.875 | 2.5 | 3.75 | 5 | – | – | – | mL |
| Liquid 100 mg/ 5 milliliters (mL) | 2.5 | 4 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | 12.5 | 15 | 20 | mL |
| Chewable 50 mg tablets | – | – | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 2½ | 3 | 4 | tabs |
| Junior-strength 100 mg tablets | – | – | – | – | 2 | 2½ | 3 | 4 | tabs |
| Adult 200 mg tablets | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | 1½ | 2 | tabs |
Table Notes:
Age Limits: Don’t use under 6 months of age unless told by your child’s doctor. Reason: safety not established and not approved by FDA. If under 6 years, don’t give products with more than one ingredient in them (FDA recommendation 2008).
Measuring Dose: Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
Infant Drops: Ibuprofen infant drops come with a syringe.
How Often: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.
Brand Names: Motrin, Advil, generic ibuprofen
Use in Countries Outside the U.S.: Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S. Always check the concentration is the same before using this dose table.