Advil is ibuprofen. The recommended pediatric dosing is based on weight (not age). Below are common over-the-counter guidance ranges—please follow your product label or your child’s clinician if they gave different instructions.
Ibuprofen (Advil) dosing for children
Usual dose (pain/fever)
- 10 mg/kg per dose
- Given every 6–8 hours as needed
- Maximum: 40 mg/kg per day (total from all doses)
Convenience table (mg per dose → typical mL/tablet strength)
If using Children’s ibuprofen liquid (common concentration: 100 mg/5 mL):
- 10 kg (22 lb): 100 mg = 5 mL
- 12.5 kg (27.5 lb): 125 mg = 6.25 mL
- 15 kg (33 lb): 150 mg = 7.5 mL
- 20 kg (44 lb): 200 mg = 10 mL
- 25 kg (55 lb): 250 mg = 12.5 mL
Important: Liquid concentrations vary by country/product (some are 50 mg/1.25 mL, 100 mg/5 mL, etc.). Tell me the exact concentration on your bottle and your child’s weight, and I’ll calculate the dose precisely.
Safety / when not to use
Avoid or ask a clinician first if the child:
- is under 6 months (or doesn’t have clinician guidance)
- has dehydration, vomiting/poor intake
- has a history of stomach ulcers/bleeding, kidney disease
- has had allergic reaction to ibuprofen/NSAIDs
- is taking other NSAIDs or certain blood thinners
- has chickenpox or certain viral illnesses where NSAID use may be riskier
When to seek medical care
If fever is high or lasts more than 3 days, pain lasts more than 3 days, your child is very sleepy/hard to wake, has trouble breathing, severe headache/stiff neck, signs of dehydration (very low urine), or you’re unsure about dosing—get medical advice.
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If you share your child’s weight and the Advil/ibuprofen concentration on your bottle (e.g., “100 mg/5 mL”), I’ll give the exact mL per dose for their weight.