Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Motrin Dosage Guide
Ibuprofen (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID))
Motrin is a trusted brand of ibuprofen widely used for pain relief, fever reduction, and inflammation in adults and children.
Quick Dosage Overview
Below is a summary of standard motrin 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+ (Motrin IB) | 200–400 mg (1–2 tablets) | Every 4–6 hours as needed | 1,200 mg (6 tablets) in 24 hours | Take with food or water. Use the smallest effective dose. |
| Adults (Motrin PM) | 2 caplets (400 mg ibuprofen + 76 mg diphenhydramine) | Once at bedtime | 2 caplets | For nighttime pain and sleeplessness only. Do not exceed recommended dose. |
- Dose
- 200–400 mg (1–2 tablets)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours as needed
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (6 tablets) in 24 hours
Take with food or water. Use the smallest effective dose.
- Dose
- 2 caplets (400 mg ibuprofen + 76 mg diphenhydramine)
- Frequency
- Once at bedtime
- Max Daily
- 2 caplets
For nighttime pain and sleeplessness only. Do not exceed recommended dose.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–11 months (12–17 lbs / 5–8 kg) | 50 mg (1.25 mL Infants' Motrin) | Every 6–8 hours | 150 mg (3 doses) | Do not use in infants under 6 months without doctor's advice. |
| 12–23 months (18–23 lbs / 8–10 kg) | 75 mg (1.875 mL Infants' Motrin) | Every 6–8 hours | 225 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 2–3 years (24–35 lbs / 11–15 kg) | 100 mg (5 mL Children's Motrin) | Every 6–8 hours | 300 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 4–5 years (36–47 lbs / 16–21 kg) | 150 mg (7.5 mL Children's Motrin) | Every 6–8 hours | 450 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 6–8 years (48–59 lbs / 22–27 kg) | 200 mg (10 mL Children's Motrin) | Every 6–8 hours | 600 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 9–10 years (60–71 lbs / 28–32 kg) | 250 mg (12.5 mL Children's Motrin) | Every 6–8 hours | 750 mg (3 doses) | — |
| 11 years (72–95 lbs / 33–43 kg) | 300 mg (15 mL Children's Motrin) | Every 6–8 hours | 900 mg (3 doses) | — |
- Dose
- 50 mg (1.25 mL Infants' Motrin)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 150 mg (3 doses)
Do not use in infants under 6 months without doctor's advice.
- Dose
- 75 mg (1.875 mL Infants' Motrin)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 225 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 100 mg (5 mL Children's Motrin)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 300 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 150 mg (7.5 mL Children's Motrin)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 450 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 200 mg (10 mL Children's Motrin)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 600 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 250 mg (12.5 mL Children's Motrin)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 750 mg (3 doses)
- Dose
- 300 mg (15 mL Children's Motrin)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 900 mg (3 doses)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–8 kg (12–17 lbs) | 50 mg (1.25 mL drops) | Every 6–8 hours | 150 mg |
| 8–10 kg (18–23 lbs) | 75 mg (1.875 mL 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 drops)
- Frequency
- Every 6–8 hours
- Max Daily
- 150 mg
- Dose
- 75 mg (1.875 mL 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 Motrin?
Motrin is a well-established brand of ibuprofen manufactured by Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health). Like Advil, Motrin contains ibuprofen as its active ingredient, and the two brands are therapeutically identical at the same dosage. Motrin IB is the standard adult formulation containing 200 mg of ibuprofen per tablet, while Motrin PM adds diphenhydramine for nighttime pain relief. Motrin is perhaps best known for its pediatric products. Children's Motrin and Infants' Motrin are among the most widely recommended pediatric pain and fever medications by pediatricians in the United States. Infants' Motrin is specifically formulated as a concentrated oral suspension for accurate dosing in infants as young as 6 months old. The brand has long been associated with pediatric fever management and is a staple in most family medicine cabinets. All Motrin products share the same NSAID safety profile as generic ibuprofen. They are effective for reducing pain, fever, and inflammation, but carry the same warnings regarding cardiovascular risk, gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney effects that apply to all ibuprofen-containing products.
How Motrin Works
Motrin's active ingredient, ibuprofen, works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. This inhibition reduces the production of prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation, pain, and fever. By lowering prostaglandin levels, Motrin effectively reduces swelling, relieves pain, and lowers elevated body temperature. Effects typically begin within 20 to 30 minutes and last 4 to 6 hours.
Common Uses
Motrin is commonly used to treat the following conditions:
Available Forms
Motrin is available in the following formulations:
Warnings & Precautions
Motrin Warnings
- Do not use Motrin if allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID.
- Not for use in infants under 6 months of age without a doctor's recommendation.
- Do not use right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
- Long-term use may increase risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding.
- Motrin PM contains diphenhydramine which causes drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking Motrin PM.
- Stop use and see a doctor if stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting occurs and persists.
- Do not use for more than 10 days (pain) or 3 days (fever) without consulting a doctor.
Critical Safety Information
Do Not Ignore
- CARDIOVASCULAR RISK: NSAIDs, including the ibuprofen in Motrin, can cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use.
- GASTROINTESTINAL RISK: NSAIDs cause increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal and can occur at any time during use without warning symptoms.
- INFANT DOSING WARNING: Always measure Infants' Motrin with the included dosing syringe. Incorrect dosing can lead to serious harm. Never use a kitchen spoon. Always dose by weight, not age, and consult a pediatrician for infants under 6 months.
- ALLERGIC REACTION WARNING: Seek emergency help immediately if you experience hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, or severe skin reactions after taking Motrin.
Side Effects
Like all medications, motrin can cause side effects. Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Mild stomach pain
- Drowsiness (Motrin PM)
Serious Side Effects
- Stomach bleeding: black or bloody stools, vomiting blood
- Signs of heart attack or stroke: chest pain, slurred speech, sudden weakness
- Severe allergic reaction: throat swelling, difficulty breathing, hives
- Kidney problems: decreased urination, swelling in extremities
- Liver damage: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine
- Severe skin reactions: widespread rash, blistering, peeling
- Asthma attacks in aspirin-sensitive individuals
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Motrin may interact with the following medications or substances. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Aspirin: May reduce aspirin's cardioprotective benefit. If taking daily aspirin for heart health, take it at least 30 minutes before or 8 hours after Motrin.
- Blood thinners (warfarin, enoxaparin): Significantly increased risk of bleeding. Consult a healthcare provider.
- Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics): Motrin may reduce their effectiveness and increase kidney risk.
- Lithium: Motrin can raise lithium blood levels to toxic ranges.
- Methotrexate: Increased risk of methotrexate side effects. Close monitoring required.
- Corticosteroids (prednisone): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when used together.
Motrin 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 motrin dosage guides for specific populations and use cases:
Frequently Asked Questions About Motrin
Sources & References
- 1.Motrin Official Website - Product InformationAccessed 2025-01-15
- 2.FDA - Ibuprofen Drug Facts LabelAccessed 2025-01-15
- 3.American Academy of Pediatrics - Ibuprofen Dosage Table for ChildrenAccessed 2025-01-15
- 4.Mayo Clinic - Ibuprofen (Oral Route)Accessed 2025-01-15
- 5.Cleveland Clinic - Ibuprofen TabletsAccessed 2025-01-15
- 6.NIH - DailyMed Motrin LabelAccessed 2025-01-15