Recommended Ibuprofen Dosage for Children (Advil)
Advil for children contains ibuprofen, typically as a liquid suspension (100 mg/5 mL). Dosage is weight-based, not age-based, to ensure safety. Always use the provided dosing device and consult a doctor or pharmacist first, especially for children under 6 months or with health conditions.
| Weight | Age (approx.) | Dose (100 mg/5 mL) | Every 6-8 hours; max 4 doses/24 hrs |
|--------|---------------|---------------------|-------------------------------------|
| 12-17 lbs | 6-11 months | 1.25 mL (50 mg) | |
| 18-23 lbs | 12-23 months | 1.875 mL (75 mg) | |
| 24-35 lbs | 2-3 years | 5 mL (100 mg) | |
| 36-47 lbs | 4-5 years | 7.5 mL (150 mg) | |
| 48-59 lbs | 6-8 years | 10 mL (200 mg) | |
| 60-71 lbs | 9-10 years | 12.5 mL (250 mg) | |
| 72-95 lbs | 11 years | 15 mL (300 mg) | |
For children over 12 years or 95+ lbs, use adult dosing (200-400 mg every 4-6 hours; max 1200 mg/day).[1][2]
How to Measure and Give Safely
Measure with the syringe or cup in the box—avoid household spoons. Give with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Do not use for more than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain without doctor advice. Shake well before use.[1][3]
When Is It Unsafe or Risky?
Skip if child has stomach ulcers, kidney issues, bleeding disorders, or allergy to NSAIDs/aspirin. Avoid near chickenpox/flu due to Reye's syndrome risk (rare but serious). Stop and call doctor for signs like rash, vomiting blood, or swelling. Overdose can cause stomach bleeding, kidney damage, or coma—call poison control immediately if suspected.[2][4]
What If Weight Isn't Listed?
Ask a pediatrician for exact dosing: general rule is 5-10 mg/kg per dose. For example, a 20-lb (9 kg) child gets about 45-90 mg (2.25-4.5 mL).[1][3]
Children's Advil vs. Other Pain Relievers
| Option | Active Ingredient | Best For | Key Difference |
|--------|-------------------|----------|---------------|
| Children's Advil | Ibuprofen | Pain, fever, inflammation | Longer-lasting (6-8 hrs); anti-inflammatory |
| Children's Tylenol | Acetaminophen | Fever, mild pain | Shorter (4-6 hrs); no inflammation relief; overdose risks liver |
| Alternating Both | - | Persistent fever | Safe if dosed correctly by weight/time; track carefully |
Do not combine with other ibuprofen products.[1][2]
Alternatives If Advil Isn't Suitable
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for non-inflammatory needs. Aspirin is unsafe for kids under 16. Non-drug options: cool compresses, hydration, rest.[3][4]
Sources:
[1] Advil.com Children's Dosage Chart
[2] FDA Label for Children's Advil Suspension
[3] AAP Guidelines on Fever/Pain in Children
[4] CDC on Reye's Syndrome