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Calculate safe ibuprofen dose for infants 6 months and older
For infants 6 months and older - Always verify age before giving
| Age | Weight (lbs) | Dose (mg) | Droplets (50mg/1.25mL) | Suspension (100mg/5mL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 months | Any | DO NOT GIVE - Use Tylenol Instead | ||
| 6-11 months | 12-17 | 50 | 1.25 mL | 2.5 mL |
| 12-23 months | 18-23 | 75 | 1.875 mL | 3.75 mL |
| 2-3 years | 24-35 | 100 | 2.5 mL | 5 mL |
* Minimum age: 6 months. NEVER give ibuprofen to younger infants.
* Dosing interval: Every 6-8 hours. Maximum 4 doses per 24 hours.
| Motrin (Ibuprofen) | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 6 months | 2 months |
| Dosing Interval | Every 6-8 hours | Every 4-6 hours |
| Max Doses/Day | 4 doses | 5 doses |
| Anti-inflammatory | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Give with Food | ✅ Recommended | Not required |
| OK if Dehydrated | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Kidney Concerns | ⚠️ Can affect kidneys | Generally safer |
| Best For | Teething, ear pain, inflammation | General fever, younger infants |
Call 911 or go to ER if your infant experiences:
Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) is not approved for infants under 6 months because their kidneys are still developing. Ibuprofen is processed through the kidneys and can cause kidney damage in very young infants. Additionally, the dosing and safety haven't been established for this age group. Use Infant Tylenol instead.
The concentration may differ. Infant drops are typically 50mg/1.25mL (more concentrated), while Children's suspension is usually 100mg/5mL. Always check the label and use the measuring device that comes with the specific product you have. Never assume they're interchangeable.
For infants 6+ months, some doctors recommend alternating to provide more consistent fever control. However, this increases the risk of dosing errors. A typical schedule is Tylenol every 4-6 hours, Motrin every 6-8 hours, alternating so baby gets something every 3-4 hours. Always get doctor approval first.
Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining, especially on an empty stomach. Giving it with milk, formula, or food helps protect the stomach and reduces the chance of stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. This is especially important for repeated doses.
Ibuprofen typically starts working within 30-60 minutes, with peak effect at about 2 hours. It lasts 6-8 hours, which is longer than Tylenol. If fever doesn't respond within 2 hours or keeps returning, contact your pediatrician.
Many parents and doctors prefer ibuprofen for teething (in infants 6+ months) because it reduces inflammation as well as pain. Teething involves inflamed gums, so the anti-inflammatory effect can provide better relief. However, both medications effectively reduce pain.
If vomiting occurs within 15-20 minutes and you can see the medicine, you may re-dose. If it's been longer, don't re-dose—some medicine was likely absorbed. If vomiting continues, stop giving ibuprofen (it can irritate the stomach) and try Tylenol instead, or contact your doctor.