Ibuprofen dose chart by weight
Find your child's weight in pounds, then read across to the product you have. Weight gives the most accurate dose. Use age only if you do not know the weight.
Ibuprofen comes in two liquid strengths, so check the box carefully. Infants' drops are 50 mg in 1.25 mL. Children's liquid is 100 mg in 5 mL. The mL amounts are different for each one.
| Weight (lb) | Age | Infants' drops 50 mg/1.25 mL | Children's liquid 100 mg/5 mL | Chewable 100 mg | Adult tablet 200 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–11 lb | 0–3 months | Do not give | Do not give | Do not give | Do not give |
| 12–17 lb | 4–11 months | 1.25 mL | 2.5 mL | Not used | Not used |
| 18–23 lb | 12–23 months | 1.875 mL | 4 mL | Not used | Not used |
| 24–35 lb | 2–3 years | 2.5 mL | 5 mL | 1 tablet | Not used |
| 36–47 lb | 4–5 years | 3.75 mL | 7.5 mL | 1½ tablets | Not used |
| 48–59 lb | 6–8 years | 5 mL | 10 mL | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 60–71 lb | 9–10 years | Not used | 12.5 mL | 2½ tablets | 1 tablet |
| 72–95 lb | 11 years | Not used | 15 mL | 3 tablets | 1½ tablets |
| 96 lb or more | 12 years or older | Not used | 20 mL | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
The under-6-months rule
Do not give ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) to babies under 6 months old unless your doctor says so. This applies even if your baby is big enough to fall in a higher weight row. Ask your doctor about acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.
A baby under 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs to be seen by a doctor right away. If your baby weighs under 6 pounds, call the doctor before giving any medicine.
How often can you give ibuprofen?
You can give ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours if needed. Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Give it with food or milk if it upsets your child's stomach. You do not need to wake a sleeping child to give a fever medicine.
Stay safe with fever medicine
These simple steps help you give the right amount every time.
- Check the strength on the box. It must match the column you are reading.
- Use the syringe or cup that comes with the medicine, never a kitchen spoon.
- Do not mix up Infants' drops and Children's liquid. They are different strengths.
- Do not give two medicines with the same ingredient.
- Do not give aspirin to children or teens.
When to call the doctor or get care now
Some signs mean your child needs to be seen, even if fever medicine helps.
- Your baby is under 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Fever over 104°F (40°C), or fever for more than 3 days
- Very sleepy or hard to wake, trouble breathing, a stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade when pressed
- Signs of dehydration, such as few wet diapers
- A seizure, or you are worried
Use the free tool
For parents: how much children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen to give by weight, in mL or tablets.
Open Tylenol & Motrin Dose →Common questions
How much children's Motrin for a 40 lb child?
A child who weighs 36 to 47 pounds (usually 4 to 5 years old) gets 7.5 mL of Children's liquid (100 mg/5 mL), or 1½ chewable 100 mg tablets. You can give it every 6 to 8 hours if needed, up to 4 doses in 24 hours.
Can I give ibuprofen to a 3-month-old?
No. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months unless your doctor says so. Ask your doctor about acetaminophen instead, and a baby under 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs to be seen right away.
Are Infants' and Children's Motrin the same strength?
No. Infants' drops are 50 mg in 1.25 mL and Children's liquid is 100 mg in 5 mL. The number of mL is different for the same weight, so always match the strength on the box to the right column.
How often can I give ibuprofen to my child?
Every 6 to 8 hours if needed, and no more than 4 doses in 24 hours. Give it with food or milk if it upsets the stomach.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Ibuprofen Dosing Table for Fever and Pain (2024).
For education only, not medical advice. Always confirm against current guidelines and your child’s doctor. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.