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Ibuprofen Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 20, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 100 mg/5 mL; 800 mg; 300 mg; 600 mg; 400 mg; 200 mg; 50 mg/1.25 mL; 50 mg; 100 mg; (as lysine) 10 mg/mL; 100 mg/mL; 800 mg/200 mL

Usual Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea

200 to 400 mg orally every 4 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 3200 mg/day (prescription strength); 1200 mg/day (over-the-counter)

Comment:


Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis

For minor pains of arthritis:
Initial dose: 200 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours; may increase to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 1200 mg/day (over the counter)

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis (including flare-ups of chronic disease):
1200 to 3200 mg orally per day in divided doses 3 or 4 times a day

Maximum dose: 3200 mg/day (prescription strength)

Comments:

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis

For minor pains of arthritis:
Initial dose: 200 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours; may increase to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 1200 mg/day (over the counter)

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis (including flare-ups of chronic disease):
1200 to 3200 mg orally per day in divided doses 3 or 4 times a day

Maximum dose: 3200 mg/day (prescription strength)

Comments:

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Usual Adult Dose for Pain

Oral:
200 to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 3200 mg/day (prescription strength); 1200 mg/day (over-the-counter)

Parenteral:
IV (Caldolor): 400 to 800 mg IV every 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 3200 mg/day

Comments:


Uses:
Oral: For the relief of mild to moderate pain
IV: For the management of mild to moderate pain; and the management of moderate to severe pain as an adjunct to opioid analgesics.

Usual Adult Dose for Fever

Oral:
Initial dose: 200 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours

Maximum dose: 1200 mg/day

Parenteral (Caldolor):

Comments:

Use: For the reduction of fever

Usual Pediatric Dose for Fever

Oral:
6 months to less than 24 months:
Infant Drops (50 mg/1.25 mL):

Maximum: 4 doses per day

1 year to less than 12 years: 5 to 10 mg/kg orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed

12 years or older:
Initial dose: 200 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 1200 mg/day

Parenteral (Caldolor):
6 months to less than 12 years: 10 mg/kg IV every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum single-dose: 400 mg
Maximum daily dose: 40 mg/kg or 2400 mg/day, whichever is less

12 to 17 years: 400 mg IV every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum daily dose: 2400 mg/day

Comments:

Use: For the relief of fever.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain

Oral:
6 months to less than 24 months:
Infant Drops (50 mg/1.25 mL):

Maximum: 4 doses per day

1 year to less than 12 years: 5 to 10 mg/kg orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed

12 years or older:
Initial dose: 200 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 1200 mg/day

Parenteral (Caldolor):
6 months to less than 12 years: 10 mg/kg IV every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum single-dose: 400 mg
Maximum daily dose: 40 mg/kg or 2400 mg/day, whichever is less

12 to 17 years: 400 mg IV every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum daily dose: 2400 mg/day

Comments:

Use: For the relief of fever.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

1 year or older:
30 to 50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses

Comments:


Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Ibuprofen lysine (NeoProfen):
Gestational age 32 weeks or less; weight 500 to 1500 g:


Comments:

Use: For the closure of a clinically significant PDA in premature infants weighing between 500 and 1500 g, who are no more than 32 weeks gestational age when usual medical management is ineffective (e.g., fluid restriction, diuretics, respiratory support, etc.).

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dysmenorrhea

12 years or older: 200 to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 3200 mg/day (prescription strength); 1200 mg/day (over-the-counter)

Comment:


Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea

Renal Dose Adjustments

Advanced Renal Disease: Not recommended; if treatment is necessary, close monitoring of renal function is advised

Ibuprofen lysine injection (NeoProfen): Preterm infants with significant impairment of renal function: Contraindicated

Liver Dose Adjustments

If abnormal liver tests or signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction develop, evaluate for hepatic dysfunction.


Precautions

US BOXED WARNINGS: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS:


CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Oral Formulations:
Parenteral:
Adults and Pediatric Patients 6 months or older (Caldolor):
Preterm Infants (NeoProfen):

IV Ibuprofen (Caldolor) and Oral Suspension:
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 months.

Over the Counter Capsules and Tablets:
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 12 years.

Over the Counter Chewable Tablets and Suspension:
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 months.

Oral Prescription Tablets:
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Ibuprofen Lysine (NeoProfen): Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 32 weeks gestational age.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:


Storage requirements:

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

IV Compatibility:

General:

Monitoring:

Patient advice:

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.