Ibuprofen Dosage Calculator
Calculate safe ibuprofen doses for adults and children. Adult dose is 200-400mg every 4-6 hours (max 1,200mg OTC or 3,200mg Rx). Pediatric dose is 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours. Take with food to reduce GI irritation.
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Calculate safe ibuprofen doses for children and adults.
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Why: Calculate safe ibuprofen doses for children and adults.
How: Enter your values in the calculator fields below, keep units consistent, then run the calculation to see results and any step-by-step work shown on this page.
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Medical Disclaimer: Verify dosing with a healthcare provider. Not for infants under 6 months. Individual factors may require dose adjustments.
For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before acting on results.
Ibuprofen is an NSAID used for fever, pain, and inflammation. Adult dose: 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours (max 1,200 mg OTC or 3,200 mg Rx). Pediatric: 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours. Take with food to reduce GI irritation.
Sources: AAP, FDA, Lexicomp, WHO.
Key Takeaways
- • Weight-based dosing for children; age determines max limits
- • Not for infants under 6 months—use acetaminophen
- • Give with food to reduce GI upset
- • Anti-inflammatory effect requires adequate dosing
Did You Know?
How Does Ibuprofen Work?
Mechanism
Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, reducing prostaglandins. Provides analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
When to Choose
Choose ibuprofen for inflammation (injuries, dental pain). Choose acetaminophen for infants under 6 months or when dehydration is a concern.
Formulations
Infant drops 50 mg/1.25 mL; children's 100 mg/5 mL; chewable 50-100 mg; tablets 200-400 mg.
Expert Tips
Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen
| Feature | Ibuprofen | Acetaminophen |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory | Yes | No |
| Min age | 6 months | Any (with MD) |
| Duration | 6-8 hours | 4-6 hours |
| GI upset | More common | Minimal |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safe ibuprofen dose for children?
Pediatric dose is 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours. Max single dose 400 mg; max daily 40 mg/kg or 1200 mg (whichever is lower). Not for infants under 6 months.
What is the adult ibuprofen dose?
Adult dose is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours. OTC max 1,200 mg/day; prescription max 3,200 mg/day. Take with food to reduce GI irritation.
When should I choose ibuprofen over acetaminophen?
Choose ibuprofen when inflammation is present (injuries, dental pain, musculoskeletal). Ibuprofen lasts 6-8 hours vs 4-6 for acetaminophen. Avoid ibuprofen if dehydrated or under 6 months.
Can I alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen for fever?
Yes. Give one medication every 3-4 hours, alternating. Track carefully to avoid dosing errors. Use the lowest effective dose of each.
What are ibuprofen contraindications?
Contraindicated with NSAID/aspirin allergy, aspirin-sensitive asthma. Use caution with renal impairment, GI ulcer history, dehydration. Give with food.
How long can I use ibuprofen?
Fever: max 3 days without medical evaluation. Pain: max 5 days. Seek care if symptoms persist or worsen.
Key Statistics
Official Data Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or pharmacist before administering medications to children.
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