Ibuprofen (Motrin) Age Guidelines for Infants
Ibuprofen can be given to babies starting at 6 months of age for over-the-counter use, though it may be used in infants as young as 3 months under medical supervision when the infant weighs at least 5-6 kg and is adequately hydrated. 1
FDA-Approved Age Recommendations
- Ibuprofen is approved as an over-the-counter medication for infants ≥6 months of age 2
- For prescription use under medical supervision, ibuprofen can be used in infants ≥3 months of age when body weight is above 5-6 kg 1
- The drug is contraindicated in neonates (infants <1 month) 2
Weight-Based Dosing Requirements
When ibuprofen is prescribed for infants 3-6 months of age:
- Dose: 5-10 mg/kg per dose 1
- Frequency: Can be administered 3-4 times daily 1
- Maximum daily dose: 30-40 mg/kg/day total 1
- Dosing should always be based on body weight, not age alone, as weight-based dosing reduces the risk of medication errors 3
Critical Safety Considerations and Contraindications
Ibuprofen should NEVER be given to infants with:
- Dehydration, diarrhea, or vomiting - these conditions significantly increase the risk of acute renal failure 2, 4
- Chickenpox (varicella) - associated with increased risk of invasive group A streptococcal infection 2, 4
- Wheezing, persistent asthma, or known NSAID sensitivity 2
- Inadequate hydration status - special attention must be given to ensuring the patient is well-hydrated before administration 1
Important Clinical Pitfalls
Common dosing errors occur more frequently in infants <1 year of age, with studies showing 62% of parents give inaccurate acetaminophen doses and 26% give inaccurate ibuprofen doses 3. Parents who dose based on weight rather than age are significantly less likely to make errors 3.
Avoid using ibuprofen primarily as an antipyretic (fever reducer) - it should be reserved for inflammatory pain management in children, as the risks may outweigh benefits when used solely for fever 2. The rectal route should be avoided in young infants due to erratic and unreliable absorption 1.
For infants 3-6 months requiring ibuprofen, medical supervision is essential to ensure appropriate patient selection, proper hydration assessment, and weight-based dosing 1, 2.