Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Ibuprofen Dosage by Weight
Weight-based ibuprofen dosage chart for accurate dosing in children and adults. The recommended pediatric dose is 5-10 mg/kg per dose. Dosing by weight is more accurate than dosing by age, especially for children who are larger or smaller than average for their age.
Ibuprofen Dosage by Weight Chart
Pediatric Weight-Based Dosing (5-10 mg/kg per dose)
The standard pediatric dosing is 5-10 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose. Use the lower end (5 mg/kg) for mild symptoms and the higher end (10 mg/kg) for more significant pain or fever.
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-7 kg (12-17 lbs) | 50 mg (1.25 mL infant drops) | Every 6-8 hours | 40 mg/kg/day |
| 8-10 kg (18-23 lbs) | 75 mg (1.875 mL infant drops) | Every 6-8 hours | 40 mg/kg/day |
| 11-15 kg (24-35 lbs) | 100 mg (5 mL suspension) | Every 6-8 hours | 40 mg/kg/day |
| 16-21 kg (36-47 lbs) | 150 mg (7.5 mL suspension) | Every 6-8 hours | 40 mg/kg/day |
| 22-27 kg (48-59 lbs) | 200 mg (10 mL suspension) | Every 6-8 hours | 40 mg/kg/day |
| 28-32 kg (60-71 lbs) | 250 mg (12.5 mL suspension) | Every 6-8 hours | 40 mg/kg/day |
| 33-43 kg (72-95 lbs) | 300 mg (15 mL suspension) | Every 6-8 hours | 40 mg/kg/day |
- Dose
- 50 mg (1.25 mL infant drops)
- Frequency
- Every 6-8 hours
- Max Daily
- 40 mg/kg/day
- Dose
- 75 mg (1.875 mL infant drops)
- Frequency
- Every 6-8 hours
- Max Daily
- 40 mg/kg/day
- Dose
- 100 mg (5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6-8 hours
- Max Daily
- 40 mg/kg/day
- Dose
- 150 mg (7.5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6-8 hours
- Max Daily
- 40 mg/kg/day
- Dose
- 200 mg (10 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6-8 hours
- Max Daily
- 40 mg/kg/day
- Dose
- 250 mg (12.5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6-8 hours
- Max Daily
- 40 mg/kg/day
- Dose
- 300 mg (15 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6-8 hours
- Max Daily
- 40 mg/kg/day
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Adult Weight-Based Considerations
Adult OTC dosing is standardized at 200-400 mg per dose regardless of weight. Weight-based dosing applies primarily to prescription use and pediatric dosing.
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44-60 kg (97-132 lbs) | 200-400 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 1,200 mg (OTC) | — |
| 60-80 kg (132-176 lbs) | 200-400 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 1,200 mg (OTC) | — |
| 80-100 kg (176-220 lbs) | 400 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 1,200 mg (OTC) | 400 mg is the recommended single dose for larger adults. |
| 100+ kg (220+ lbs) | 400 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 1,200 mg (OTC) | Do not exceed OTC maximum even at higher body weights. |
- Dose
- 200-400 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4-6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (OTC)
- Dose
- 200-400 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4-6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (OTC)
- Dose
- 400 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4-6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (OTC)
400 mg is the recommended single dose for larger adults.
- Dose
- 400 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4-6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (OTC)
Do not exceed OTC maximum even at higher body weights.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Ibuprofen Weight-Based Calculator
Enter the patient's body weight below to estimate an appropriate ibuprofen dose. This tool is for reference only.
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.
Important Dosage by Weight Warnings
Ibuprofen Dosage by Weight Precautions
- Always use a calibrated measuring device for liquid formulations.
- The maximum daily dose for children should not exceed 40 mg/kg/day.
- Adult OTC maximum is 1,200 mg/day regardless of body weight.
- When in doubt, use the lower end of the dosing range and consult a healthcare provider.
For a complete list of warnings and safety information, see the Ibuprofen dosage guide warnings section.
Dosage by Weight FAQ
Sources & References
- 1.American Academy of Pediatrics - Ibuprofen Dosage TableAccessed 2025-01-15
- 2.FDA - Ibuprofen Drug Facts LabelAccessed 2025-01-15
Other Ibuprofen Dosage Guides
Ibuprofen Complete Dosage Guide
Return to the full ibuprofen overview with all dosing information, side effects, and interactions