I get a lot of questions about what are appropriate doses for Tylenol (see Tylenol dosing article) and Motrin in kids. Here’s the info. Feel free to bookmark this page, print it (and hang in your medicine cabinet) or pass it along.

Medication: The medication is in the drug class called NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Motrin is the trade name. Ibuprofen is the generic name. Both work equally well. Generally, the trade name medication (Motrin) is more expensive.

Age Limit: Do NOT give to infants less than 6 months of age unless specifically directed by your pediatrician to do so. Ibuprofen is not FDA approved in children under the age of 6 months.

Use: Treat fever, pain, or inflammation.

Interval: Every 6 hours.

Dose: Based on your child’s weight (age dosing is based on averages and not as accurate as weight dosing). For the mathematically minded, the dose is 5-10 mg/kg/dose (which I’ve calculated out below).

Forms: The concentrations are different. Infant Motrin is more concentrated than Children’s Motrin. Read labeling carefully to avoid a dosing error.

Infant Motrin (ibuprofen: 50 mg in each 1.25 mL)

Weight | estimated age | Dose

6-11 lbs | 0-5 months | Do Not Dose

12-17 lbs. | 6-11 months | 1.25 mL

18-23 lbs. | 12-23 months | 1.875 mL

Children’s Motrin (ibuprofen: 100 mg in each 5 mL)

Weight | estimated age | Dose

24-35 lbs. | 2-3 years | 5 mL

36-47 lbs. | 4-5 years | 7.5 mL

48-59 lbs. | 6-8 years | 10 mL

60-71 lbs. | 9-10 years | 12.5 mL

See also: TYLENOL (ACETAMINOPHEN) DOSING