Children's Hospital Colorado

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Dose Table

Disclaimer: The below information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational and reference purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Please call your primary care provider or our ParentSmartTM Healthline with any questions. Pediatric nurses are available 24/7 at 720-777-0123.

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
Liquid 100 mg/ 1 teaspoon (tsp) ½ ¾ 1 2 3 4 tsp
Chewable 100 mg tablets -- -- 1 2 3 4 tabs
Junior-strength 100 mg tablets -- -- -- -- 2 3 4 tabs
Adult 200 mg tablets -- -- -- -- 1 1 2 tabs

When to Use. Treatment of fever and pain.

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).
  • Dose. 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.
  • Measure the 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.
  • Adult Dose. 400 mg
  • 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.