Ibuprofen Dosage Calculator

Calculate safe and effective ibuprofen doses for children and adults by weight, age, and medication form.

Enter weight, age, and select the medication form (liquid or tablet) to instantly get the correct ibuprofen dosage in mg, ml, or tablet count. Designed for healthcare professionals, parents, and adults.

Child (under 12)
mg/ml
hours
Examples

Click an example to load it into the calculator.

Child (18 kg, 6 years) - Liquid

child_liquid

6-year-old child weighing 18 kg, using 100 mg/5ml liquid, 3 doses per day.

Weight: 18 kg

Age: 6

Patient Type: Child

Form: Liquid

Concentration: 20 mg/ml

Doses/Day: 3

Interval: 8 hours

Child (30 kg, 10 years) - Tablet

child_tablet

10-year-old child weighing 30 kg, using 200 mg tablets, 3 doses per day.

Weight: 30 kg

Age: 10

Patient Type: Child

Form: Tablet

Tablet Strength: 200 mg

Doses/Day: 3

Interval: 8 hours

Adult (70 kg, 25 years) - Liquid

adult_liquid

25-year-old adult weighing 70 kg, using 100 mg/ml liquid, 4 doses per day.

Weight: 70 kg

Age: 25

Patient Type: Adult

Form: Liquid

Concentration: 100 mg/ml

Doses/Day: 4

Interval: 6 hours

Adult (80 kg, 40 years) - Tablet

adult_tablet

40-year-old adult weighing 80 kg, using 400 mg tablets, 3 doses per day.

Weight: 80 kg

Age: 40

Patient Type: Adult

Form: Tablet

Tablet Strength: 400 mg

Doses/Day: 3

Interval: 8 hours

Other Titles
Understanding Ibuprofen Dosage Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Master safe and effective ibuprofen dosing for children and adults. Learn the principles, calculations, and best practices for ibuprofen use.

What is the Ibuprofen Dosage Calculator?

  • Core Principles of Ibuprofen Dosing
  • Why Accurate Dosing Matters
  • Types of Ibuprofen Formulations
The Ibuprofen Dosage Calculator is a clinical tool designed to help healthcare professionals, parents, and adults determine the correct ibuprofen dose for children and adults. It uses the patient's weight, age, and medication form to provide safe, effective dosing in mg, ml, or tablet count.
Why is Accurate Dosing Critical?
Underdosing can lead to treatment failure and persistent symptoms, while overdosing increases the risk of side effects such as stomach irritation, kidney damage, and more. This calculator ensures dosing is tailored to the patient's needs, maximizing efficacy and safety.
Ibuprofen Formulations
Ibuprofen is available in various forms: tablets, caplets, and oral suspensions. For children, suspensions are most common. The calculator supports the most widely used concentrations and tablet strengths worldwide.

Key Dosing Concepts:

  • Dosing is based on weight, not age, for children.
  • Always check the medication concentration or tablet strength.
  • Divide the total daily dose by the number of doses per day.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Gathering Accurate Data
  • Inputting Information
  • Interpreting Results
To use the calculator, first weigh the patient accurately. Select the appropriate patient type (child/adult), medication form, and enter all required information. Enter all information and calculate.
Input Fields Explained
Weight: The most important factor. Age: Optional, for reference. Patient Type: Child (under 12) or Adult (12+). Form: Liquid or tablet. Concentration: mg/ml for liquids. Tablet Strength: mg per tablet. Doses/Day: 3-4 usual. Interval: 6-8 hours usual.
Understanding the Results
The calculator provides the single dose in mg, ml, or tablet count, as well as the maximum daily dose. Always double-check calculations and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

Practical Example Steps:

  • A 6-year-old (18 kg) child: 18 × 10 = 180 mg per dose, 3 times daily, using 20 mg/ml liquid: 180/20 = 9 ml per dose.
  • A 10-year-old (30 kg) child: 30 × 10 = 300 mg per dose, 3 times daily, using 200 mg tablets: 300/200 = 1.5 tablets per dose.

Real-World Applications of Ibuprofen Dosing

  • Home and Parental Use
  • Clinical and Hospital Settings
  • Travel and Emergency Scenarios
Ibuprofen dosing is essential knowledge for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. This calculator is useful for home use, clinics, hospitals, and travel situations where quick, accurate dosing is needed.
Parental and Home Use
Parents can use the calculator to ensure safe dosing for children with fever or pain. Always use a proper measuring device for liquids and check the concentration on the label.
Clinical and Hospital Use
Healthcare professionals can use the calculator for rapid, accurate dosing in busy clinical environments. The tool supports both pediatric and adult dosing, with built-in safety checks.
Travel and Emergency Use
When traveling or in emergencies, the calculator provides instant, reliable dosing guidance even when packaging is unclear or local products differ in strength.

Clinical Use Cases:

  • Parent at home: Child with fever, using 100 mg/5ml liquid.
  • Nurse in clinic: Adult with pain, using 400 mg tablets.
  • Traveler: Adult with headache, only 200 mg tablets available.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Avoiding Over- and Under-Dosing
  • Formulation Confusion
  • Clinical Judgment
A common error is using the wrong concentration or tablet strength, or giving doses too frequently. This can lead to under- or overdosing, both of which carry risks. The calculator helps standardize calculations but should not replace clinical judgment.
Formulation Confusion
Always check the medication label for concentration (mg/ml) or tablet strength (mg). Do not assume all liquids or tablets are the same strength.
Clinical Monitoring
Monitor for side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, or allergic reactions. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Best Practice Principles:

  • Always use a dosing syringe or cup for liquids.
  • Never exceed the maximum daily dose.
  • Consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

Mathematical Derivation and Advanced Analytics

  • Formula Variations and Calculations
  • Statistical Analysis and Trending
  • Predictive Modeling Applications
Ibuprofen dosing for children is typically 5-10 mg/kg per dose, every 6-8 hours, with a maximum of 40 mg/kg per day. For adults, usual single dose is 200-400 mg, maximum 3200 mg per day. The calculator uses these formulas to ensure safe dosing.
Formula Details
Child dose: weight (kg) × 10 mg/kg = single dose (mg). Adult dose: 400 mg per dose. Maximum daily dose: child = weight × 40 mg, adult = 3200 mg.
Advanced Analytics
The calculator can be used to analyze dosing trends, compare different formulations, and model the impact of dosing frequency on total daily intake.

Mathematical Examples:

  • Child: 20 kg × 10 mg/kg = 200 mg per dose, max 800 mg/day.
  • Adult: 400 mg per dose, max 3200 mg/day.