Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Ibuprofen Dosage Guide
Ibuprofen (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID))
Ibuprofen is an NSAID used to reduce fever, pain, and inflammation in adults and children.
Quick Dosage Overview
Below is a summary of standard ibuprofen dosing for adults and children. For detailed charts, see the dedicated sub-pages linked below.
Adult Dosage
Standard ibuprofen dosing for adults
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults and children 12+ | 200–400 mg | Every 4–6 hours as needed | 1,200 mg (OTC) / 3,200 mg (prescription) | Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. |
| Mild to moderate pain | 200–400 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 1,200 mg (OTC) | Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. |
| Arthritis (prescription) | 400–800 mg | 3–4 times daily | 3,200 mg | Prescription strength; requires medical supervision. |
| Menstrual cramps | 400 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 1,200 mg (OTC) | Begin at onset of symptoms for best results. |
- Dose
- 200–400 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours as needed
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (OTC) / 3,200 mg (prescription)
Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Dose
- 200–400 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (OTC)
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
- Dose
- 400–800 mg
- Frequency
- 3–4 times daily
- Max Daily
- 3,200 mg
Prescription strength; requires medical supervision.
- Dose
- 400 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (OTC)
Begin at onset of symptoms for best results.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Children's Dosage
Pediatric ibuprofen dosing by age group
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months – 2 years | 50 mg (based on weight; see weight-based chart) | Every 6–8 hours | Consult pediatrician | Use infant drops or oral suspension only. Dose by weight, not age. |
| 2–3 years | 100 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 300 mg | Use oral suspension; consult pediatrician for exact dosing. |
| 4–5 years | 100 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 300 mg | — |
| 6–8 years | 100–200 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 600 mg | — |
| 9–11 years | 200 mg | Every 6–8 hours | 600 mg | — |
- Dose
- 50 mg (based on weight; see weight-based chart)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- Consult pediatrician
Use infant drops or oral suspension only. Dose by weight, not age.
- Dose
- 100 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 300 mg
Use oral suspension; consult pediatrician for exact dosing.
- Dose
- 100 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 300 mg
- Dose
- 100–200 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 600 mg
- Dose
- 200 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 600 mg
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Weight-Based Dosage
Dosing calculated by body weight
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–7 kg (12–17 lbs) | 50 mg (1.25 mL of infant drops) | Every 6–8 hours | 150 mg |
| 8–10 kg (18–23 lbs) | 75 mg (1.875 mL of infant drops) | Every 6–8 hours | 225 mg |
| 11–15 kg (24–35 lbs) | 100 mg (5 mL suspension) | Every 6–8 hours | 300 mg |
| 16–21 kg (36–47 lbs) | 150 mg (7.5 mL suspension) | Every 6–8 hours | 450 mg |
| 22–27 kg (48–59 lbs) | 200 mg (10 mL suspension) | Every 6–8 hours | 600 mg |
| 28–32 kg (60–71 lbs) | 250 mg (12.5 mL suspension) | Every 6–8 hours | 750 mg |
| 33–43 kg (72–95 lbs) | 300 mg (15 mL suspension) | Every 6–8 hours | 900 mg |
- Dose
- 50 mg (1.25 mL of infant drops)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 150 mg
- Dose
- 75 mg (1.875 mL of infant drops)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 225 mg
- Dose
- 100 mg (5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 300 mg
- Dose
- 150 mg (7.5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 450 mg
- Dose
- 200 mg (10 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 600 mg
- Dose
- 250 mg (12.5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 750 mg
- Dose
- 300 mg (15 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 900 mg
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
What Is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and fever reducers in the world. Classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it is available under well-known brand names such as Advil and Motrin. Ibuprofen is effective for treating a broad spectrum of conditions including headaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, arthritis pain, and minor injuries. First approved by the FDA in 1974 for prescription use and later made available OTC in 1984, ibuprofen has a long track record of safety and efficacy when used as directed. It is available in multiple formulations including tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, liquid suspensions for children, and topical gels. The standard OTC strength is 200 mg per tablet, while prescription-strength doses can go up to 800 mg per tablet. While ibuprofen is generally considered safe for short-term use, it is important to follow recommended dosages carefully. Overuse or long-term use can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular events. People with certain health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, or a history of stomach ulcers, should consult a healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen.
How Ibuprofen Works
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking prostaglandin production, ibuprofen reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and lowers body temperature. The effects typically begin within 20 to 30 minutes of oral ingestion and can last for 4 to 6 hours.
Common Uses
Ibuprofen is commonly used to treat the following conditions:
Available Forms
Ibuprofen is available in the following formulations:
Warnings & Precautions
Ibuprofen Warnings
- Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen or any other NSAID (aspirin, naproxen).
- Do not take ibuprofen right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
- Taking ibuprofen during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
- Long-term use increases the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.
- People over age 65 are at greater risk for stomach bleeding and kidney problems with NSAID use.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose. Taking more than directed may increase the risk of serious side effects.
- If you are taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, consult your doctor before using ibuprofen.
Critical Safety Information
Do Not Ignore
- CARDIOVASCULAR RISK: NSAIDs may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, heart attack, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use and in patients with cardiovascular disease.
- GASTROINTESTINAL RISK: NSAIDs increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk.
- ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Seek emergency help immediately if you experience hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, or blisters. These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
- KIDNEY WARNING: Long-term NSAID use can lead to kidney damage. Do not use ibuprofen if you have severe kidney disease without medical supervision.
Side Effects
Like all medications, ibuprofen can cause side effects. Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Dizziness or headache
- Mild stomach pain
- Bloating or gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Serious Side Effects
- Signs of stomach bleeding: bloody or black stools, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body (signs of heart attack or stroke)
- Swelling of the face, throat, or limbs
- Severe skin reactions: rash, blistering, peeling (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- Liver damage: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue
- Kidney problems: changes in urine output, swelling in feet or ankles
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Ibuprofen may interact with the following medications or substances. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Aspirin: Taking ibuprofen with aspirin may reduce aspirin's cardioprotective effects. If you take low-dose aspirin for heart protection, take it at least 30 minutes before or 8 hours after ibuprofen.
- Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, rivaroxaban): Increased risk of serious bleeding when combined with ibuprofen.
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs (lisinopril, losartan): Ibuprofen may reduce the effectiveness of these blood pressure medications and increase kidney damage risk.
- Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide): Reduced effectiveness of diuretics; increased risk of kidney problems.
- SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with NSAIDs.
- Lithium: Ibuprofen can increase lithium blood levels, potentially causing lithium toxicity.
Ibuprofen Dosage Calculator
Use this tool to estimate a weight-based dose. This is for reference only and does not replace advice from a healthcare provider.
Dosage Calculator
Estimate a weight-based dose for reference purposes only.
Important: This calculator provides rough estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing, especially for children, elderly patients, or individuals with medical conditions. If you are ill, seek medical attention immediately.
Detailed Dosage Guides
Explore our in-depth ibuprofen dosage guides for specific populations and use cases:
Frequently Asked Questions About Ibuprofen
Sources & References
- 1.FDA - Ibuprofen Drug Facts LabelAccessed 2025-01-15
- 2.Mayo Clinic - Ibuprofen (Oral Route)Accessed 2025-01-15
- 3.Cleveland Clinic - Ibuprofen TabletsAccessed 2025-01-15
- 4.NIH - DailyMed Ibuprofen LabelAccessed 2025-01-15
- 5.NHS - Ibuprofen for AdultsAccessed 2025-01-15
- 6.American Academy of Pediatrics - Ibuprofen Dosage TableAccessed 2025-01-15