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Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) should NOT be given to infants under 6 months. Give with food to reduce stomach upset. Do not exceed recommended doses. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) if you suspect an overdose.
Weight-based ibuprofen dosing for children 6 months and older
Must be 6 months or older for ibuprofen
For Children's Motrin/Advil (100mg/5mL)
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Dose (mg) | Liquid (mL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 lbs | 5.5-7.7 kg | 50 mg | 2.5 mL |
| 18-23 lbs | 8.2-10.5 kg | 75 mg | 3.75 mL |
| 24-35 lbs | 10.9-15.9 kg | 100 mg | 5 mL |
| 36-47 lbs | 16.4-21.4 kg | 150 mg | 7.5 mL |
| 48-59 lbs | 21.8-26.8 kg | 200 mg | 10 mL |
| 60-71 lbs | 27.3-32.3 kg | 250 mg | 12.5 mL |
| 72-95 lbs | 32.7-43.2 kg | 300 mg | 15 mL |
| 96+ lbs | 43.6+ kg | 400 mg | 20 mL |
| Feature | Motrin/Advil (Ibuprofen) | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 6 months | Birth (with doctor approval) |
| Dosing Interval | Every 6-8 hours | Every 4-6 hours |
| Anti-inflammatory | Yes ✓ | No |
| Best For | Inflammation, earaches, teething, injury pain | Fever, general pain, liver-safe option |
| Take With Food | Recommended | Not required |
| Main Concerns | Stomach upset, kidney (dehydration) | Liver (overdose risk) |
Infant kidneys aren't fully developed until around 6 months of age. Ibuprofen can affect kidney function and blood flow to the kidneys, making it potentially harmful for younger babies. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead for infants under 6 months.
Some doctors recommend alternating between ibuprofen and acetaminophen for stubborn fevers, but this increases the risk of dosing errors. If your child needs both medications, your pediatrician should provide specific instructions. It's generally safer to use one medication consistently.
Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and cause stomach pain, nausea, or even ulcers with long-term use. Giving it with food or milk helps protect the stomach. If your child can't eat, give with a full glass of water or milk.
Studies show both are effective for fever. Ibuprofen may work slightly better for high fevers and lasts longer (6-8 hours vs 4-6 hours). However, acetaminophen is safer for young infants and children who can't take NSAIDs. The "best" choice depends on your child's age and situation.