# Ibuprofen Dosage Calculator

Calculate safe ibuprofen doses by weight and age for adults and children. Includes tablet and liquid formulations with maximum daily limits.

## What this calculates

Determine the correct ibuprofen dose based on body weight and age. This calculator provides OTC dosing guidelines for both adults and children aged 6 months and older, covering tablet and liquid formulations.

## Inputs

- **Body Weight** (kg) — min 3, max 200 — Patient body weight
- **Age** (years) — min 0.5, max 120 — Patient age in years (minimum 6 months for ibuprofen)
- **Formulation** — options: 200 mg Tablet, 100 mg / 5 mL Liquid — Select the formulation being used

## Outputs

- **Recommended Single Dose** — Recommended dose per administration
- **Maximum Single Dose** — Do not exceed this amount per dose
- **Doses per Day** — formatted as text — Recommended dosing frequency
- **Maximum Daily Dose** — Do not exceed this total amount in 24 hours
- **Liquid Volume per Dose** — formatted as text — Volume of liquid formulation per dose (if applicable)
- **Important Notice** — formatted as text — Medical disclaimer

## Details

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. For adults, the standard OTC dose is 200-400 mg every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 1200 mg per day without medical supervision. Higher doses up to 3200 mg/day may be prescribed by a physician for conditions like arthritis.

For children aged 6 months and older, ibuprofen is dosed at 10 mg per kilogram of body weight, given every 6 to 8 hours. The maximum pediatric daily dose is 40 mg/kg/day, not to exceed adult maximums. The liquid formulation (100 mg per 5 mL) is the preferred form for young children who cannot swallow tablets.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This calculator is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always verify doses with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. Ibuprofen should not be given to infants under 6 months, individuals with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or those allergic to NSAIDs. Long-term use should be supervised by a physician.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can I give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 months?**

A: No. Ibuprofen is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age. For younger infants with fever or pain, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used starting at 2 months of age, but always consult a pediatrician first before giving any medication to a young infant.

**Q: What is the difference between OTC and prescription ibuprofen dosing?**

A: Over-the-counter ibuprofen is limited to 1200 mg per day for adults (up to 3 doses of 400 mg). Prescription ibuprofen may go up to 3200 mg per day for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, but this requires medical supervision due to increased risks of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney issues, and cardiovascular events.

**Q: Can I alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen?**

A: Yes, alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen is a common practice recommended by many pediatricians for managing fever in children. A typical schedule is ibuprofen every 6 hours and acetaminophen every 4 hours, staggered so the child receives one medication every 3 hours. However, always follow your doctor's specific instructions to avoid confusion or accidental overdose.

**Q: Should ibuprofen be taken with food?**

A: Yes. Taking ibuprofen with food or milk helps reduce the risk of stomach upset and gastrointestinal side effects. NSAIDs like ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining, and taking them on an empty stomach increases the likelihood of nausea, heartburn, or in rare cases, stomach ulcers.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/health/ibuprofen-dosage
Category: Health & Fitness
Last updated: 2026-04-21