Ibuprofen Dosage Table for Fever and Pain

​​Ibuprofen (i.e., Motrin®, Advil®) is an over-the-counter medicine used to reduce fever and relieve pain. This chart, based on your child's weight, can help determine the right dosage amount, but is no substitute for your pediatrician's advice.

Table Notes:

• Age limit: Don't use under 6 months of age unless directed by your child's pediatrician, because safety has not established and doesn't have FDA approval. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age.
  

• Dosage: Determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table.
  

• Measuring the dosage (should be in metric units): Dosing syringes are more accurate than household utensils. Use the syringe or device that comes with the medication. If not available with the medication, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. Household spoons are not reliable. Note: 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
  

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

• Adult dosage: 400 mg
  

• Frequency: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.
  

Additional Information & Resources: 

• Fever and Your Baby
  

• How to Take a Child's Temperature
  

• The Healthy Children Show: Fever (Video)
  

• The Healthy Children Show: Giving Liquid Medicine Safely (Video)
  

• Ibuprofen: Info for Consumers (National Library of Medicine) ​