What dose of Advil (ibuprofen) is recommended for children by age and weight?
For children, the recommended Advil dose is based on weight, not age. Standard pediatric dosing for ibuprofen is 10 mg per kg per dose, given every 6 to 8 hours as needed. The maximum is 40 mg per kg per day.
How do you calculate a child’s ibuprofen dose (mg) from weight?
Use: 10 mg/kg per dose.
Example: if a child weighs 20 kg, one dose is 200 mg (20 kg × 10 mg/kg).
What if the label shows “mL”—how much liquid Advil do you give?
The mL amount depends on the concentration of the specific Advil liquid you have (different products come in different strengths). To give an accurate mL dose, you need the bottle’s strength (for example, mg per mL) and the child’s weight so the mg can be converted to mL.
How often can children take Advil?
Typical instructions for children are every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Do not exceed the daily maximum (40 mg/kg/day).
When should you not give Advil to a child?
Avoid ibuprofen (Advil) and talk to a clinician first if the child has a history of ibuprofen allergy, stomach ulcers or bleeding, significant dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea, or certain kidney problems.
What should parents use instead if ibuprofen isn’t appropriate?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be an alternative for fever or pain in many cases, but dosing also depends on weight. Avoid giving both medications without a clear plan from a clinician or product instructions.
Sources
- https://www.drugs.com/dosage/ibuprofen.html