Ibuprofen Pediatric Dosage
Calculate ibuprofen doses for fever or pain using the standard 5–10 mg/kg guideline. Convert mg results to mL for liquid suspensions.
Typical range: 5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours.
Maximum recommended: 4 doses / 24 hours.
Most OTC children's ibuprofen is 100 mg per 5 mL.
Dosage Results
Per dose
160 mg
≈ 8.0 mL (20.0 mg/mL suspension).
Daily total
640 mg/day
Dosed 4 times per day. Maximum allowed ≈ 640 mg/day.
How to Use This Calculator
Measure the child's weight
Lower doses are calculated by weight; avoid guessing.
Select mg/kg dose and frequency
Use 10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours for fever/pain. Use 5 mg/kg for mild symptoms or infants nearing 6 months.
Check the suspension concentration
Different countries have 50, 100, or 200 mg per 5 mL formulations—enter what you are using.
Formula
Per dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × mg/kg dose.
Based on American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations: 5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours as needed; maximum 40 mg/kg/day.
About Pediatric Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for fever and mild to moderate pain. Avoid in infants under 6 months, patients with dehydration, kidney disease, or bleeding disorders, and those with NSAID allergies. Encourage caregivers to administer with food or milk to reduce stomach upset and to keep track of doses given.
For alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen, maintain a dosing log to prevent overdose. Educate families about signs of toxicity (abdominal pain, dark urine) and to seek care if fever lasts more than 3 days or pain worsens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give ibuprofen and acetaminophen together?
Yes, but stagger doses (alternate every 3 hours) and track amounts carefully to avoid overdose.
What if my child vomits a dose?
If vomiting occurs within 15 minutes, you may repeat once. If unsure, consult your pediatrician.
Is ibuprofen safe for asthmatic children?
Most can take it, but avoid if they have had NSAID-triggered asthma or severe wheezing episodes.
Should I use weight or age-based dosing?
Always use weight-based dosing when possible. Age charts are approximations.
What are signs to stop ibuprofen?
Stop for bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, rash, or an allergic reaction. Seek immediate care.