Ibuprofen dose for children: weight-based guide

The short answer: 5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours — for children 6 months and older

Ibuprofen is approved for children from 6 months of age onwards. The standard dose is 5–10 mg per kilogram every 6–8 hours, with a maximum of 40 mg/kg/day (adult max 1,200 mg/day OTC, 2,400 mg/day prescribed). Ibuprofen is not recommended for infants under 6 months due to kidney immaturity.

Is ibuprofen approved for children?

• Under 6 months: not recommended — kidney function is still developing and NSAIDs risk acute kidney injury
• 6 months–11 years: approved and routine for fever and pain
• Adolescents (12+): adult-style dosing
• Infants with special indications: sometimes used off-label under neonatologist direction (e.g., PDA closure)

Dosing by weight

For the common 100 mg/5 mL (20 mg/mL) pediatric suspension:

| Weight (kg) | Dose (mg) | mL of 100 mg/5 mL | Frequency | |---|---|---|---| | 5–7 kg (6 months+) | 25–70 mg | 1.25–3.5 mL | every 6–8 h | | 8–10 kg | 40–100 mg | 2–5 mL | every 6–8 h | | 11–15 kg | 55–150 mg | 2.75–7.5 mL | every 6–8 h | | 16–20 kg | 80–200 mg | 4–10 mL | every 6–8 h | | 21–30 kg | 100–300 mg | 5–15 mL | every 6–8 h | | 31–40 kg | 150–400 mg | 7.5–20 mL | every 6–8 h | | >40 kg | adult dose 200–400 mg | — | every 6–8 h |

Maximum 40 mg/kg/day, and never exceed adult OTC max of 1,200 mg/day.

Formulations for children

• Infant drops (40 mg/mL) — for 6-month+ infants (always confirm age 6+ months)
• Pediatric suspension (100 mg/5 mL) — standard for 1–11 years
• Chewables (100 mg) — for age 2+ who can chew reliably
• Adult tablets (200/400 mg) — for adolescents

Warnings specific to pediatrics

• Give with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
• Do not use in dehydrated children (vomiting, diarrhea, poor fluid intake) — kidney injury risk multiplies
• Do not use in chickenpox (Reye syndrome risk is specific to aspirin, not ibuprofen, but pediatricians often prefer paracetamol during viral illness)
• Do not combine with other NSAIDs
• Do not use for more than 3 days of fever or 10 days of pain without medical review
• Avoid in children with asthma and prior NSAID sensitivity
• Kawasaki disease, severe GI upset, or dark stools: stop and seek care immediately

Clinical sources

• American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report "Fever and Antipyretic Use in Children" (Pediatrics 2011, updated 2022).
• NICE CG160 "Fever in under 5s."
• BNF for Children (BNFc) — ibuprofen monograph.
• FDA label for pediatric ibuprofen.

Bottom line

Ibuprofen 5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours (max 40 mg/kg/day) is safe and effective for children 6 months and older. Give it with food, avoid during dehydration, and do not use under 6 months. Paracetamol is the safer choice for infants under 6 months.

Always use a medical dosing syringe and confirm your child's weight before dosing. Consult your pediatrician for fever lasting >3 days or in children with chronic conditions.