Ibuprofen Pediatric Dosage Calculator

Calculate the appropriate ibuprofen dosage for children based on weight, age, and symptoms. This calculator follows standard medical guidelines for pediatric ibuprofen administration.

Child's Weight Enter child's weight in pounds (lb) or kilograms (kg)

Weight Unit

Child's Age Enter child's age in months

Medication Form

Fever Level

Hours Since Last Dose Hours since last ibuprofen dose (minimum 6 hours recommended)

Child has medical conditions (asthma, kidney problems, etc.)

Quick Examples:

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your child's weight and select the appropriate unit (kg or lb)
Enter your child's age in months
Select the form of ibuprofen you have available
Indicate the fever level if applicable
Enter how many hours have passed since the last dose
Click Calculate Dosage to see the recommended amount and timing

Formula Used

Dosage (mg) = Weight (kg) × 5-10 mg/kg

Where:

Standard dosage = 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
Maximum daily dose = 40 mg/kg
Minimum interval between doses = 6 hours
For children under 6 months, consult healthcare provider

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A 3-year-old child weighing 30 pounds has a moderate fever (103°F) and hasn't had ibuprofen in the last 8 hours. The parent has liquid ibuprofen (100mg/5ml).

Given:

Weight = 30 lb (13.6 kg)
Age = 36 months
Medication form = Liquid (100mg/5ml)
Hours since last dose = 8 hours

Calculation:

Dosage = 13.6 kg × 10 mg/kg = 136 mg (using maximum dose for fever)

Volume = (136 mg ÷ 100 mg) × 5 ml = 6.8 ml

Result: Administer 6.8 ml of liquid ibuprofen now, and repeat every 6-8 hours as needed, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours.

Why This Calculation Matters

Practical Applications

Ensures safe dosing based on child's weight
Prevents underdosing which may be ineffective
Avoids overdosing which can cause side effects
Provides timing guidance between doses

Key Benefits

Reduces fever and pain effectively
Minimizes risk of side effects
Provides clear dosing instructions
Offers peace of mind for caregivers

Common Mistakes & Tips

Weight is the most accurate factor for determining ibuprofen dosage in children, not age. Two children of the same age can have significantly different weights, resulting in different dosage requirements. Always use weight as the primary factor for dosage calculation.

Ibuprofen should be given at least 6 hours apart. Giving doses too frequently can lead to overdose and serious side effects including stomach irritation, kidney problems, and in rare cases, Reye's syndrome. Always track when doses are given and wait the full recommended interval before giving another dose.

Household spoons are not accurate for measuring medication. Use the dosing device that comes with the medication or a proper measuring tool marked in milliliters (ml). A kitchen teaspoon can hold anywhere from 2.5 to 7.3 ml, which could result in under or overdosing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ibuprofen is generally not recommended for infants under 6 months of age without medical supervision. Always consult with your pediatrician before giving any medication to an infant under 6 months. Acetaminophen is typically preferred for younger infants when medication is needed.

Some healthcare providers recommend alternating between ibuprofen and acetaminophen for persistent fever, but this should only be done under medical guidance. If alternating, maintain proper timing for each medication (6 hours between ibuprofen doses, 4-6 hours between acetaminophen doses). Keep a written log to avoid confusion and potential overdose.

If your child vomits within 30 minutes of taking ibuprofen, you can usually give the full dose again. If it's been 30-60 minutes, give a half dose. If it's been more than an hour, do not give another dose until the next scheduled time. If vomiting continues or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

References & Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before giving medication to children, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. In case of emergency, seek immediate medical attention.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics - Ibuprofen Dosing Chart - Official dosing recommendations from the AAP
Mayo Clinic - Ibuprofen for Children - Safety guidelines and dosing information
CDC - Medicine Safety for Children - General medication safety guidelines

Accuracy Notice

This calculator follows standard pediatric dosing guidelines but may not account for all individual factors that could affect appropriate dosing. Always verify dosing instructions with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, and read the medication label carefully before administration.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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health pediatrics-health-calculator ibuprofen pediatric dosage medical body weight

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