Dr. Kristina HinrichsAcetaminophen and Ibuprofen Dosing Guide for Children
Use medicine only when needed for fever, pain, or discomfort.
(Liquid concentrations shown: acetaminophen 160 mg/5 mL and ibuprofen 100 mg/5 mL — always confirm your bottle's concentration.)
Dosing by Weight
| Weight | Acetaminophen (160 mg/5 mL) |
Ibuprofen (100 mg/5 mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 11 lb | 75 mg = 2.5 mL | 50 mg = 2.5 mL |
| 13 lb | 90 mg = 3 mL | 60 mg = 3 mL |
| 15 lb | 105 mg = 3.5 mL | 70 mg = 3.5 mL |
| 18 lb | 120 mg = 4 mL | 80 mg = 4 mL |
| 20 lb | 135 mg = 4 mL | 90 mg = 4.5 mL |
| 22 lb | 150 mg = 5 mL | 100 mg = 5 mL |
| 24 lb | 165 mg = 5 mL | 110 mg = 5.5 mL |
| 26 lb | 180 mg = 5.5 mL | 120 mg = 6 mL |
| 29 lb | 195 mg = 6 mL | 130 mg = 6.5 mL |
| 31 lb | 210 mg = 6.5 mL | 140 mg = 7 mL |
| 33 lb | 225 mg = 7 mL | 150 mg = 7.5 mL |
| 35 lb | 240 mg = 7.5 mL | 160 mg = 8 mL |
| 40 lb | 270 mg = 8.5 mL | 180 mg = 9 mL |
| 44 lb | 300 mg = 9.5 mL | 200 mg = 10 mL |
| 48 lb | 330 mg = 10.5 mL | 220 mg = 11 mL |
| 55 lb | 375 mg = 12 mL | 250 mg = 12.5 mL |
| 60 lb | 405 mg = 12.5 mL | 270 mg = 13.5 mL |
| 66 lb | 450 mg = 14 mL | 300 mg = 15 mL |
| 70 lb | 480 mg = 15 mL | 320 mg = 16 mL |
| 77 lb | 525 mg = 16.5 mL | 350 mg = 17.5 mL |
| 88 lb | 600 mg = 19 mL | 400 mg = 20 mL |
| >88 lb | 650 mg = 20 mL | 400 mg = 20 mL |
How to Give These Medicines
Acetaminophen
- Give every 4–6 hours as needed
- Wait at least 4 hours between doses
- Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours
Ibuprofen
- Give every 6–8 hours as needed
- Wait at least 6 hours between doses
- Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours
- Do not give to babies under 6 months unless your clinician tells you to
Safety Tips
✓ Do
- Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine
- Shake liquid medicine well before each use
- Write down the time you give each dose
- Give with food if stomach upset occurs
- Keep your child well hydrated
✗ Don't
- Don't give more than the recommended dose
- Don't use kitchen spoons to measure
- Don't give both medicines at the same time unless your clinician tells you to
- Don't give with other products containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen (make sure to check ingredients of cough & cold medicine)
When to Call Your Doctor
- Child is under 3 months with any fever
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- Child is not drinking fluids or seems dehydrated
- Child has severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Pain or fever gets worse or doesn't improve
- Any new or concerning symptoms appear
Questions? Contact your child's doctor or pharmacist.
This post is for general education and is not medical advice.
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