Children's Motrin (Ibuprofen) Dosing for Pediatrics
The recommended dose of Children's Motrin (ibuprofen) is 10 mg/kg per dose, given every 6-8 hours, with a maximum of 3-4 doses per day (30-40 mg/kg/day maximum). 1
Age and Weight Restrictions
- Ibuprofen is generally not recommended for infants under 6 months of age. 1
- For infants aged 3-6 months, ibuprofen can be considered safe for short-term use only if the child weighs more than 5-6 kg and special attention is given to hydration status. 2
- For infants under 3 months, acetaminophen is the only recommended analgesic option. 1
Standard Dosing Protocol
Weight-based dosing is the most accurate method and reduces the risk of medication errors. 3 The specific dosing is:
- 5-10 mg/kg per dose is the effective range, with 10 mg/kg being the standard recommended dose 1, 4
- Administer every 6-8 hours as needed 1
- Maximum of 3-4 doses in 24 hours 2
- Total daily dose should not exceed 30-40 mg/kg per day 2
Route of Administration
- Oral administration is strongly preferred over rectal formulations due to more reliable and consistent absorption. 1
- Rectal ibuprofen has erratic absorption patterns, especially in young infants, and should be avoided. 2
Clinical Considerations and Contraindications
Ibuprofen should NOT be given in the following circumstances:
- Children with dehydration, diarrhea, or vomiting (increased risk of renal damage) 5
- Children with wheezing, persistent asthma, or during varicella infection 5
- Children with known sensitivity to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs 5
- Neonates 5
Timing and Duration of Effect
- Maximum temperature reduction occurs 3-4 hours after administration 4
- Ibuprofen has a longer duration of action compared to acetaminophen (6-8 hours vs 4-6 hours) 1
Common Dosing Errors to Avoid
Over half of caregivers give inaccurate doses of antipyretics, particularly to infants. 3 To prevent errors:
- Always dose based on weight, not age 3
- Carefully record all dose times when using ibuprofen, especially if alternating with acetaminophen 6
- Parents who base dosing on weight are significantly less likely to misdose medication 3
When Alternating with Acetaminophen
If combining with acetaminophen for fever management:
- Give ibuprofen every 6-8 hours and acetaminophen every 4-6 hours 1
- Stagger timing so medications are given every 3-4 hours if both are needed 1
- This combination provides an additional 2.5 hours without fever compared to ibuprofen alone over 24 hours 6
- Carefully document all doses to avoid exceeding maximum recommended amounts 6
Appropriate Use
Ibuprofen should be the drug of first choice for inflammatory pain in children, but should not routinely be used as an antipyretic except in rare cases. 5 It is most appropriate for acute pain conditions and inflammatory processes rather than simple fever management.