Children and Infant Ibuprofen (Advil / Motrin) Dosage Chart
Ibuprofen (Advil / Motrin) is a medication in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug class that is used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. It may also be used to close a patent ductus arteriosus in a premature baby.
Like any drug, if ibuprofen is taken in higher than recommended doses, it can produce effects that are detrimental to health. Overuse of ibuprofen can seriously damage a child’s digestive system, interfere with his or her hormones, and increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. In some cases, ibuprofen overdose can be deadly
Children can take ibuprofen as: a liquid syrup – from the age of 3 months. tablets and capsules – from the age of 7 years, chewable tablets from the age of 7 years.
Children and Infant Ibuprofen (Advil / Motrin) Dosage Chart
Ibuprofen can be taken as liquid or chewable tablets. To give the correct dose, you need to know your child’s weight.
You also need to know how much ibuprofen is in a tablet, teaspoon (tsp), 1.25 milliliters (mL), or 5 mL of the product you are using. You can read the label to find out.
- For chewable tablets, the label will tell you how many milligrams (mg) are found in each tablet, for example 50 mg per tablet.
- For liquids, the label will tell you how many mg are found in 1 tsp, in 1.25 mL, or in 5mL. For example, the label may read 100 mg/1 tsp, 50 mg/1.25 mL, or 100 mg/5 mL.
For syrups, you need some type of dosing syringe. It may come with the medicine, or you can ask your pharmacist. Make sure to clean it out after every usage.
If your child weighs 12 to 17 pounds (lbs) or 5.4 to 7.7 kilograms (kg):
- For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 1.25 mL dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp) on the label, give a ½ tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 2.5 mL dose.
If your child weighs 18 to 23 lbs or 8 to 10 kg:
- For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 1.875 mL dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a ¾ tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 4 mL dose.
If your child weighs 24 to 35 lbs or 10.5 to 15.5 kg:
- For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 2.5 mL dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 1 tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 5 mL dose.
- For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 2 tablets.
If your child weighs 36 to 47 lbs or 16 to 21 kg:
- For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 3.75 mL dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 1½ tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 7.5 mL dose.
- For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 3 tablets.
If your child weighs 48 to 59 lbs or 21.5 to 26.5 kg:
- For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 5 mL dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 2 tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 10 mL dose.
- For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 4 tablets.
- For junior-strength tablets that say 100 mg tablets on the label, give 2 tablets.
If your child weighs 60 to 71 lbs or 27 to 32 kg:
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 2½ tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 12.5 mL dose.
- For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 5 tablets.
- For junior-strength tablets that say 100 mg tablets on the label, give 2½ tablets.
If your child weighs 72 to 95 lbs or 32.5 to 43 kg:
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 3 tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 15 mL dose.
- For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 6 tablets.
- For junior-strength tablets that say 100 mg tablets on the label, give 3 tablets.
If your child weighs 96 lbs or 43.5 kg or more:
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 4 tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 20 mL dose.
- For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 8 tablets.
- For junior-strength tablets that say 100 mg tablets on the label, give 4 tablets.
Try giving your child the medicine with food to avoid stomach upset. If you are not sure how much to give your child, call your health care provider.
Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months of age, unless directed by your provider. You should also check with your provider before giving ibuprofen to children under age 2 years or less than 12 pounds or 5.5 kilograms.
Giving Medicine to Children
Taking ibuprofen can help children feel better when they have colds or minor injuries. As with all drugs, it is important to give children the correct dose. Ibuprofen is safe when taken as directed. But taking too much of this medicine can be harmful. Always read the label of any medication before giving it to a child. You should not give medicine with more than one active ingredient to children under age 6 years. When giving medicine to children, also be sure to follow important child medicine safety tips.
Safety Tips for Infants (Newborn to One Year Old)
• Do not squirt medicine directly at the back of the baby’s throat. This may cause your child to choke.
• Give small amounts of medicine at a time to avoid choking.
• Let the baby swallow all the medicine before you give more.
Tips for Giving Medicine to Infants
Here are some ways to give medicine to a baby. Choose the one that you think will work with your baby. If that method does not work, try another one.
• Draw up the correct amount of medicine into an oral syringe (a syringe without a needle). Let your infant suck the medicine out of the syringe.
• Give the medicine right before feeding the baby unless your doctor tells you not to. This way the baby is hungry and more likely to swallow the medicine.
• When giving medicine to an infant, use his natural reflexes (such as sucking) whenever possible.
• Stroke the infant’s cheek gently. This will usually get him to open his mouth. When he does open his mouth, put a small amount of medicine on either side of his tongue. Let him swallow, then repeat the process until the dose of medicine is gone. Hold the infant in a nearly upright position. If your infant struggles, gently hold one arm and place his other arm around your waist. Hold baby close to your body.
• Avoid mixing medicine with foods your child must have. The child may begin to dislike the foods he needs. Mix the medicine with a small amount (1 to 2 teaspoons) of applesauce or pears and give it with a spoon. This is a good way to give pills that have been crushed well. (To crush a pill, place it between two spoons and press the spoons together.)
• Some medicines can be put in a small amount of juice or sugar water.
Follow the instructions from your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not put medicine in a full bottle or cup in case the infant does not drink very much.
Giving Medicine to a Child 1 Year and Older
Your attitude toward giving medicine is especially important with young children. These are some ways to give medicine. Try one that you think will work with your child. If that method does not work, try another one.
• Give the medicine straight from a pediatric measuring device . (Ask your pharmacist for one). Household spoons should not be used to measure medicine.
• Mix the medicine with a small amount (1 to 2 teaspoons) of juice or sweetened water. Give with a spoon or let your child drink it.
• Try mixing the medicine with a small amount of soft foods like ice cream, pudding, or jelly. Do not use foods your child must have, such as meat or vegetables.
• Try mixing the medicine with small amounts of food that have a strong flavor. This helps hide the taste of the medicine. Mixing with sweet or cold foods may also help.
• Explain to your child why he needs to take the medicine in words he can understand. (For example, “This medicine will make your tummy stop hurting.”)
• Whenever possible, let the child choose how and when to take the medicine (or which one to take first). Let him hold the spoon, cup, or syringe and take it himself.
• Praise your child every time he takes the medicine without a struggle. (Giving a special sticker works well for some children.)
• Try to ignore your child’s behavior when he does not cooperate.
• Never give medicine right after disciplining your child. He may think the medicine is punishment.
• Never threaten your child with a “shot” if he does not take the medicine.
• Never call medicine “candy.” Call it medicine.
• Give a drink of water after your child takes the medicine.
• If you need to mix the medicine in food or liquids, ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist what foods can or cannot be used. Some food or drinks make the medicine not work well.
Comparing Measuring Spoons to Metric Measurements
Measuring Spoon Metric (1 mL = 1 cc)
1/4 teaspoon = 1 1/4 mL
1/2 teaspoon = 2 1/2 mL
3/4 teaspoon = 3 3/4 mL
1 teaspoon = 5 mL
1 ½ teaspoons = 7.8 mL
2 teaspoons = 10 mL
1 tablespoon = 15 mL
1 ounce = 30 mL
Storage of Medicine
• Store all medicine out of sight and out of reach of children.
• Make sure medicines are stored with a childproof safety cap.
• Always keep medicine in the labeled container it came in.
• If your childcare provider needs to give the medicine, ask the pharmacist for 2 labeled containers.
• If you carry the medicine in your purse, keep it in its childproof container. Keep your purse out of the reach of children.
• Do not use any medicine after the expiration date printed on the container.
• If your doctor decides the medicine is no longer needed, get rid of the remaining medicine.
• Remind guests in your home to keep their medicines out of the reach of children.
Contact your pediatrician if you have any questions.
You can find useful information on: How To Avoid Mistakes When Giving Children Medication
