DOSING GUIDES
Ibuprofen (Motrin & Advil)
Our Dosing Guide gives dosages for common over-the-counter medications used in children. These medications are dosed according to weight.
Abbreviations:
mg = milligram
tsp = teaspoon
ml = milliliter
cc = cubic centimeter
dppr = dropperful
1 cc = 1 ml
1 tsp = 5 cc
To calculate your child’s dose, look up his or her weight in the Dosing Guide and read across to the proper dose for each medicine listed. If you do not know your child’s weight and if your child is too young to stand on bathroom scales, a simple way to determine his or her weight is to first weigh both you and your child as you hold him. Then weigh yourself alone. Subtracting these two numbers will give you a fairly accurate weight for your child.
The doses listed in the Dosing Chart are standard doses which are safe for your child. In some situations we recommend doses of these medications which may be slightly higher or lower than the doses recommended on the packaging of the medication. This should not concern you. If our advice calls for doses which are dramatically different, please ask us the reason for this.
If your child takes an overdose of any medication, call POISON CONTROL right away.
The phone number is 1-800-376-4766 or 501-686-6161
Ibuprofen Dosing Guide
Dosage: The dosage is every 6 to 8 hours. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please be aware that there are two liquid strengths of ibuprofen (concentrated infant drops and children’s suspension) and several strengths of tablets (chewable tablets, junior strength tablets, and adult tablets). Because of this, dosing errors are possible if you choose the wrong dosage strength.
For simplicity, we only recommend Children’s Motrin or Advil Suspension 100 mg per 5 ml in our dosing guide for babies (over 6 months of age) and young children. Other dosage strengths are safe, but with so many choices, dosages can be confusing. Therefore, we advise you buy the dosage strength we recommend (Children’s suspension) and make sure you properly look up the dose.
When to use: Ibuprofen should be used to control high fevers which are unresponsive to acetaminophen (Tylenol). It can also be used to control pain and reduce inflammation.
Side Effects: May cause stomach upset, other side effects are rare.
Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension (Motrin or Advil) 100 mg per 5 ml (tsp)
STOP!!! CHECK THE STRENGTH (concentration) BEFORE DOSING!
Do NOT use this chart if you have the concentrated Infant Drops!
| Weight | Dosage (100 mg per 5 ml / 1 tsp) |
|---|---|
| 13-17 lbs | ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) |
| 18-23 lbs | 1 tsp (5 ml) |
| 24-35 lbs | 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) |
| 36-47 lbs | 2 tsp (10ml) |
| 48-59 lbs | 2 ½ tsp (12.5 ml) |
| 60-71 lbs | 3 tsp (15 ml) |
| 72-95 lbs | 4 tsp (20ml) |
| 96+ lbs | 4 tsp (20 ml) |
12 Years Old to Adults
Take 1 – 2 100mg caplets or tablets every 4 – 6 hours as needed – Not to exceed 6 caplets or tablets in 24 hours.
