Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which reduces the production of prostaglandins that cause pain, fever, and inflammation in the body.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adults: Typical OTC dose is 200 mg to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 1200 mg in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor. Take with food or milk to minimize stomach irritation. For children, dosing is based on weight, typically 5 mg to 10 mg per kg per dose.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy not established for infants under 3 months or under 5 kg. Consult a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 50 mg (2.5 mL of 100 mg/5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 8 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. Consult a healthcare provider before administering to infants under 6 months.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 75 mg (3.75 mL of 100 mg/5 mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 8 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg (5 mL of 100 mg/5 mL suspension or 1 chewable 100 mg tablet)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 8 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg (7.5 mL of 100 mg/5 mL suspension or 1.5 chewable 100 mg tablets)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 8 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy not established for infants under 3 months or under 5 kg. Consult a pediatrician. |
| 5-7 kg | 50 mg (2.5 mL of 100 mg/5 mL suspension) | Every 6 to 8 hours as needed | Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. Consult a healthcare provider before administering to infants under 6 months. |
| 8-10 kg | 75 mg (3.75 mL of 100 mg/5 mL suspension) | Every 6 to 8 hours as needed | Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. |
| 11-15 kg | 100 mg (5 mL of 100 mg/5 mL suspension or 1 chewable 100 mg tablet) | Every 6 to 8 hours as needed | Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. |
| 16-20 kg | 150 mg (7.5 mL of 100 mg/5 mL suspension or 1.5 chewable 100 mg tablets) | Every 6 to 8 hours as needed | Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. |
Formulation
Purpose
Relief of mild to moderate pain (including headache, toothache, backache, muscular aches, menstrual cramps, minor arthritis pain) and temporary reduction of fever.
Generic Name
IbuprofenBranded Drug Names
Ibuprofen is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.