Determine proper ibuprofen dosing for children and adults based on weight. Get precise dose amounts in mg and mL for infant drops, children's suspension, junior strength, and adult tablets.
Patient: 12 kg toddler, 2 years old
Recommended dose: 60-120 mg per dose (5-10 mg/kg)
Using Children's Suspension (100 mg / 5 mL):
Give 3-6 mL per dose, up to 4 doses per day (max 480 mg/day)
Dosing interval: Every 6-8 hours
Patient: 25 kg child, 8 years old
Recommended dose: 125-250 mg per dose (5-10 mg/kg)
Using Junior Strength (200 mg / 4 mL):
Give 2.5-5 mL per dose (125-250 mg), up to 3-4 doses per day (max 1000 mg/day)
Dosing interval: Every 6-8 hours
Patient: 70 kg adult, 35 years old
Recommended dose: 350-700 mg per dose (5-10 mg/kg)
Using Adult Tablets (200 mg):
Take 1-3 tablets (200-600 mg) per dose, up to 3-4 times per day (max 3200 mg/day)
Note: Standard adult OTC dose is 200-400 mg every 6-8 hours.
Dosing interval: Every 6-8 hours
| Age Group | Dose Range | Max Daily Dose | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants (6-23 months) | 5-10 mg/kg per dose | 40 mg/kg/day | Every 6-8 hours |
| Children (2-11 years) | 5-10 mg/kg per dose | 40 mg/kg/day (max 1200 mg) | Every 6-8 hours |
| Adults (12+ years) | 200-400 mg per dose (OTC) | 1200-3200 mg/day (prescription max) | Every 6-8 hours |
| Product | Strength | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Drops (concentrated) | 50 mg / 1.25 mL | 40 mg/mL |
| Children's Suspension | 100 mg / 5 mL | 20 mg/mL |
| Junior Strength | 200 mg / 4 mL | 50 mg/mL |
| Adult Tablets / Caplets | 200 mg per tablet | N/A (solid form) |
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce fever, pain, and inflammation. Safe dosing depends on the patient's weight, age, and the specific formulation being used. The standard recommendation is 5-10 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, administered every 6-8 hours as needed.
For children under 12 years, the maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg/kg/day. For adults and children 12 years and older, the maximum over-the-counter daily dose is 1200 mg (6 tablets of 200 mg), while prescription doses can go up to 3200 mg/day under medical supervision.
It is important to use the correct concentration or formulation for the patient's age and weight. Infant drops are more concentrated (50 mg/1.25 mL = 40 mg/mL) than children's suspension (100 mg/5 mL = 20 mg/mL), so using the wrong one can lead to dosing errors.
Ibuprofen is available in several liquid and solid formulations, each with different concentrations:
Always use the dosing device provided with the medication (dropper, syringe, or cup) for accurate measurement. Kitchen spoons are not accurate and should never be used.
Ibuprofen should be given every 6-8 hours as needed. Do not exceed 3-4 doses in 24 hours. Set a reminder to avoid accidental double-dosing.
Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach. Always administer with food, milk, or a meal to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Do not use ibuprofen if the patient has a history of stomach ulcers, severe kidney disease, or an allergy to NSAIDs. Consult a doctor before use.
If fever persists for more than 3 days, or if pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimer: This Ibuprofen Dosage Calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider, pediatrician, or pharmacist before administering any medication, especially to children. Never exceed the recommended dosage and always follow the instructions on the medication label. In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, contact Poison Control immediately.