Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen) Dosage for Children
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nurofen) is an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and fever reducer commonly used in pediatrics. It has advantages over paracetamol for inflammatory conditions but requires more caution.
✅ Quick Summary
- Dose: 5-10 mg/kg per dose
- Interval: Every 6-8 hours (never less than 4h)
- Daily maximum: 30 mg/kg/day
- Minimum age: 6 months (USA) / 3 months ≥5kg (UK/EU)
🚫 CONTRAINDICATED in chickenpox
Ibuprofen is contraindicated during chickenpox due to increased risk of severe skin infections (necrotizing fasciitis). Use only paracetamol if your child has chickenpox.
Weight-Based Dosing Table
Calculated for 7 mg/kg dose (mid-range safe dose):
| Weight | Dose (mg) | Max/day |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 35 mg | 150 mg |
| 10 kg | 70 mg | 300 mg |
| 15 kg | 105 mg | 450 mg |
| 20 kg | 140 mg | 600 mg |
| 30 kg | 210 mg | 900 mg |
When to Use Ibuprofen
✅ Good for:
- Fever with discomfort
- Pain with inflammation: ear infections, sore throat, dental pain
- Musculoskeletal pain, injuries
❌ Avoid in:
- Chickenpox (risk of necrotizing fasciitis)
- Dehydration or gastroenteritis with vomiting/diarrhea
- Under 6 months (USA) or under 3 months/<5kg (UK/EU)
- Kidney problems
- Stomach ulcers or history of GI bleeding
⚠️ Don't routinely alternate with paracetamol
Official guidelines (AAP, NHS, NICE) advise against routine alternation due to increased risk of dosing errors and no proven clinical benefit.
Tired of calculating doses at 3 AM?
MedTracker has ibuprofen and paracetamol safety limits built in. It alerts you when it's time for the next dose.
Download Free