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Key takeaways
Ibuprofen is a commonly used OTC pain reliever and fever reducer that has proven to be safe and effective for use in infants and children.
Although ibuprofen is available in various formulations and strengths for children, there may be situations in which a child may need relief from fever or pain, and the adult-strength ibuprofen tablet or liquid gel capsule is the only treatment available.
Children as young as 6 years of age can take a 200 mg dose of ibuprofen; if the child can swallow the adult formulation of a tablet (either whole or crushed) or the liquid gel capsule, then this dosage formulation is acceptable for use.
It is important to follow the infant and child dosing chart for ibuprofen, because too strong of a dose may cause GI problems (including bleeding in the stomach or intestines), abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, mental confusion, and potentially kidney problems.
Ibuprofen, also known by the brand names Advil and Motrin, is a commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever and fever reducer that has proven to be safe and effective for infants and children. Widely available in a lower-cost generic form, ibuprofen belongs to a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs prevent the body from producing prostaglandins, the chemicals responsible for triggering inflammation that causes fever and the feeling of pain.
Although ibuprofen is available in various formulations and strengths, there may be situations in which a child needs relief from a high fever or pain, and adult-strength ibuprofen is the only treatment available. Continue reading to discover when and if it is safe to give a child an adult formulation of ibuprofen.
Can you give adult ibuprofen to kids?
Kids may be able to safely take adult forms of ibuprofen. However, infants and younger children need lower doses than adults. Formulations of ibuprofen as a single ingredient product for those 12 years and older (i.e., adult strength) come as a 200 mg per dose tablet or liquid gel capsule. Formulations of children’s ibuprofen come in a greater variety of strengths and dosage forms to more easily adjust the dose for the specific weight or age of the child. These formulations include chewable tablets, oral liquid suspensions, and liquid drops. Ibuprofen in the liquid drop formulation is particularly useful for more precise dosing for infants.
Children as young as six years of age may be able to take a 200 mg dose of ibuprofen, which is the common strength of adult formulations of the drug. If there is a concern that the child cannot swallow the adult tablet, it may be crushed and mixed with a small amount of food, such as applesauce or yogurt, water, or other liquids that can be swallowed. Liquid gel capsules and extended-release dosage forms of ibuprofen are not meant to be crushed and should not be given in this manner.
When giving an adult formulation of ibuprofen to older children, it is important to be aware that too strong of a dose may make a child sick by causing GI problems (including serious side effects such as bleeding in the stomach or intestines), abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, mental confusion, and potentially kidney problems. If overdose symptoms are severe, medical help may be necessary
How much ibuprofen can a child take?
The following table can help determine the right amount of ibuprofen to give to an infant or child. The child’s body weight should be the primary guide for the correct dose to give, but if the child’s weight is not known, use the child’s age. Infants and children may be given ibuprofen every six to eight hours as needed for pain or fever, but doses should not be given more than four times in a 24-hour day. It is a good idea to get medical advice from a healthcare provider, such as the child’s doctor or a pharmacist, to make sure the correct dosage is being given.
Ibuprofen dosage for kids (by age and weight) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Age | Weight | Dosage |
| 0 to 5 months | 0 to 11 pounds | Doctor recommendation only |
| 6 to 11 months | 12 to 17 pounds | 50 mg every 6-8 hours |
| 12 to 23 months | 18 to 23 pounds | 80 mg every 6-8 hours |
| 2 to 3 years | 24 to 35 pounds | 100 mg every 6-8 hours |
| 4 to 5 years | 36 to 47 pounds | 150 mg every 6-8 hours |
| 6 to 8 years | 48 to 59 pounds | 200 mg every 6-8 hours |
| 9 to 10 years | 60 to 71 pounds | 250 mg every 6-8 hours |
| 11 years | 72 to 95 pounds | 300 mg every 6-8 hours |
| 12 years and older | 96 pounds or more | 400 mg every 6-8 hours |
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (2023)
What forms of ibuprofen are best for children and infants?
Ibuprofen is available without a prescription in different dosage forms and strengths. Ibuprofen infant drops are best for infants ages 6 to 23 months of age and are administered with the enclosed syringe to make giving the right dose easier. Ibuprofen oral suspension is best for young children 2 to 11 years of age and can be administered using the enclosed measuring spoon or dosing cup. Chewable tablets are recommended for children ages 2 to 11 years. Chewable tablets should not be given to children younger than 2 years of age due to the risk of choking.
Children as young as 6 years old can take a 200 mg dose of ibuprofen, which is the strength of the adult formulation. If the child can successfully swallow the adult formulation of a tablet (either whole or crushed) or the liquid gel capsule, then this dosage formulation is acceptable for use. Children under the age of 12 should not be given the extended-release tablet formulation.
When not to give your child or infant ibuprofen
There are certain situations in which ibuprofen should not be given to an infant or child:
- Ibuprofen should not be given to babies who are less than six months old unless specifically instructed by the child’s healthcare provider.
- Ibuprofen is not recommended for children with a history of allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs, with a previous history of stomach ulcers, or with impaired kidney function.
- Ibuprofen is a very common active ingredient in many OTC medicines for medical conditions such as coughs, colds, flu, and allergies. If the child is taking one of these types of combination medicines, check the leaflet in the packaging for the presence of ibuprofen because he or she may not need to take an additional dose.
- If a child spits up a dose of ibuprofen without swallowing it, the parents may give the child a second dose when the child is ready. If the dose of ibuprofen is swallowed and then vomited up later, do not give the child another dose for at least 6 hours.
Sources
- Ibuprofen, Medline Plus (2023)
- Ibuprofen dosing table for fever and pain, American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (2023)
- How much ibuprofen is too much?, Medical News Today (2024)
- Motrin (ibuprofen) FDA label
