How much ibuprofen can a 13 year old take?

Ibuprofen for children - Brand names: Nurofen for Children, Calprofen, Brufen

Find out how ibuprofen for children treats pain and inflammation (swelling) including cold symptoms, teething, toothache, sprains and strains, and reduces a high temperature, and how to take it.

How do you take ibuprofen?

Some basic instructions for taking ibuprofen by mouth are:

• It's a good idea to take ibuprofen with food or a drink of milk. This helps avoid it irritating the stomach and causing indigestion or a tummy ache.
• Modified or slow release ibuprofen tablets and capsules (for example Brufen Retard or Fenbid spansles) should be swallowed whole with a drink. Don't break, crush or chew these dose forms, as this will damage the slow-release action.
• Measure doses of ibuprofen suspension using a measuring spoon or an oral syringe. Never use an ordinary teaspoon to measure a dose of ibuprofen. This is not accurate and can lead to your child being given too little or too much medicine. Always shake the bottle before measuring out a dose.

Some branded products may have extra instructions, so always read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

Never take more than the recommended dose of ibuprofen and always use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time to relieve your symptoms.

What is the recommended ibuprofen dose and how often can I take it?

Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age

• The usual ibuprofen dose for adults and teenagers aged over 12 years is 200mg to 400mg taken three or four times a day (approximately every six to eight hours, but leaving at least four hours between doses).
• Your doctor may prescribe a higher dose than this - always follow their instructions.
• If you have been prescribed a modified-release or slow-release ibuprofen product, these usually only need to be taken once or twice a day, depending on the product. Always follow the instructions on the label.
• If you forget to take a dose, just take your next dose as usual when it's due - don't take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Children aged three months to 12 years

• A dose may be given approximately every six to eight hours. Always leave at least four hours between doses.
• Babies aged three to six months weighing at least 5kg: Give 50mg up to three times in 24 hours.
• Babies aged 6 to 12 months: Give 50mg up to four times in 24 hours.
• Children aged 1 to 3 years: Give 100mg up to three times in 24 hours.
• Children aged 4 to 6 years: Give 150mg up to three times in 24 hours.
• Children aged 7 to 9 years: Give 200mg up to three times in 24 hours.
• Children aged 10 to 12 years: Give 300mg up to three times in 24 hours.
• Your doctor may prescribe your child a higher dose than this, for example if they have juvenile arthritis - always follow your doctor's instructions and ask your pharmacist for advice if you are unsure about anything.

How long can I use ibuprofen for?

You can use ibuprofen as needed to relieve pain such as headaches. However, if you need to take it for longer than a few days (three days for a child), or if the pain or fever doesn't get better despite taking ibuprofen, then you should get advice from your doctor.

For babies under six months of age, you should get medical advice after 24 hours use if their symptoms persist.

If you have more long-term or ongoing pain, for example because you are recovering from an injury or you have arthritis, your doctor may ask you to take ibuprofen every day on a regular basis. This gives a better anti-inflammatory effect and avoids the painkilling effect wearing off, which will provide better pain relief.

If you need to take ibuprofen for long periods of time your doctor may also prescribe you a medicine to help protect your stomach.

Can I drink alcohol with ibuprofen?

It's usually fine to drink alcohol in moderation if you've taken ibuprofen. Just be aware that high doses or long-term use of ibuprofen carry a risk of irritating the stomach lining, and drinking alcohol above the daily recommended limit can increase this risk.

More information about ibuprofen

Last updated: 22.03.2019

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Ibuprofen

Ibuprofenafkpeds2020-03-23T17:03:41-05:00

ONLY for 6 months of age and older

Children’s Motrin Suspension, 100 mg per 5 ml

Children’s Advil Suspension, 100 mg per 5 ml

When to use: Ibuprofen should be used to control high fevers which are unresponsive to acetaminophen (Tylenol). It can also be used to control pain and reduce inflammation with bone and joint injuries and inflammation.

Dosage: every 6-8 hours as needed.

Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months of age without the advice of a doctor.  Please be aware that there are two liquid dosage strengths of ibuprofen and several strengths of chewable tablets, junior strength tablets and adult tablets. Because of all the available dosing forms, dosing errors are possible. For simplicity, this chart shows the dose for Children’s Motrin Suspension 100 mg. per 5 ml, and Children’s Advil Suspension 100 per 5 ml. Other dosage strengths are safe, but with so many choices the dosages are confusing. We recommend just one strength. Make sure to buy the 100 mg. per 5 mL strength before administering the medication to your child. Then look up the dose on this chart.

Side Effects: May cause stomach upset, other side effects are rare.  Prolonged use can cause stomach ulcers.

Children over the age of 10 years and adults may take ibuprofen tablets (200 mg.), two of these every 6 to 8 hours. Two trade names of ibuprofen tablets are Motrin and Advil.

The dose of ibuprofen 100 mg per 5 ml is given below:

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