Children's Motrin & Advil (Ibuprofen) Dosage Chart by Weight
Find your child's weight, then give the mL shown for children's liquid (100 mg/5 mL). Infants' drops are 2 times stronger; use the drops amount in the notes. Every 6-8 hours as needed, no more than 4 doses in 24 hours. Not under 6 months unless a doctor directs.
Motrin (ibuprofen) dosage chart by weight
Fixed doses from the AAP HealthyChildren chart (about 10 mg/kg per dose). Children's liquid is 100 mg/5 mL. Every 6-8 hours as needed, no more than 4 doses and no more than 1,200 mg in 24 hours. Not for infants under 6 months unless a doctor directs.
| Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) | Typical age | Dose (mL) | Dose (mg) | How often | Max in 24 h | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-11 | up to 5 | 0-5 months | Ask your doctor | — | — | — | Under 6 months: do not give unless a doctor directs. |
| 12-17 | 6-7 | 6-11 months | 2.5 | 50 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (200 mg) in 24 h | Not under 6 months, even at this weight. Infants' drops (50 mg/1.25 mL) are 2 times stronger: 1.25 mL of drops. Infants' drops are labeled for 6-23 months; the children's liquid label says ask a doctor under 2 years. |
| 18-23 | 8-10 | 12-23 months | 4 | 80 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (320 mg) in 24 h | Infants' drops (50 mg/1.25 mL) are stronger: 1.875 mL of drops (75 mg). The children's liquid label says ask a doctor under 2 years. |
| 24-35 | 11-15 | 2-3 years | 5 | 100 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (400 mg) in 24 h | Or 1 chewable (100 mg). |
| 36-47 | 16-21 | 4-5 years | 7.5 | 150 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (600 mg) in 24 h | Or 1½ chewables (100 mg each). |
| 48-59 | 22-26 | 6-8 years | 10 | 200 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (800 mg) in 24 h | Or 2 chewables (100 mg each) or 1 adult 200 mg tablet. |
| 60-71 | 27-32 | 9-10 years | 12.5 | 250 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (1,000 mg) in 24 h | Or 2½ chewables (100 mg each). |
| 72-95 | 33-43 | 11 years | 15 | 300 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (1,200 mg) in 24 h | Or 3 chewables (100 mg each). |
| 96+ | 44+ | 12 years and older | 20 | 400 | every 6-8 h as needed | 3 doses (1,200 mg) in 24 h | Or 2 adult 200 mg tablets. Over-the-counter maximum 1,200 mg in 24 hours. |
Doses follow the AAP HealthyChildren dosing tables; mL is for the liquid concentration shown. If a weight falls between rows, use the lower dose.
Sources: AAP HealthyChildren; DailyMed (links below). . This chart does not replace the product label or your clinician's advice.
Check the bottle first
Which bottle do I have?
- Children's liquid 100 mg/5 mL
- Infants' drops 50 mg/1.25 mL (2 times stronger)
- Chewables 100 mg
- Adult tablets 200 mg
Match the strength printed on your bottle or package (mg per mL, per 5 mL, or per tablet) before using the chart.
Safety checks before dosing
- Avoid ibuprofen in infants under 6 months unless directed by a clinician.
- Infant drops are more concentrated than standard liquid.
- Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours; over-the-counter maximum is 1,200 mg/day.
When to call a doctor
- Symptoms get worse or do not improve after appropriate dosing.
- Your child has a chronic condition, kidney or liver disease, or takes other medicines.
- You are unsure about the concentration or the correct dose.
Need an exact dose for your child's weight?
- Ibuprofen (Motrin) dose calculator — enter weight and age for the mg and mL for your bottle.
- Printable Motrin dosing chart
- All children's OTC dosing charts
Frequently asked questions
It is a reference table that matches weight to an ibuprofen dose (mg and mL). Always confirm the bottle concentration and follow max daily limits.
Most children can take ibuprofen every 6–8 hours as needed. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose.
Yes. Motrin and Advil are brand names for ibuprofen.
Avoid ibuprofen under 6 months unless your clinician specifically recommends it.
Ibuprofen can affect kidney function when dehydrated. Contact a clinician if the child has vomiting, poor intake, or signs of dehydration.
Alternating can be used in select situations but increases dosing complexity. Follow clinician guidance.