A 12-year-old can typically take 200 mg to 400 mg of ibuprofen per dose, depending on their weight. At this age, most children qualify for the standard adult dose of 200 mg per dose for mild symptoms, and up to 400 mg per dose for stronger pain or higher fevers. Doses can be repeated every 6 to 8 hours, with a maximum of three doses (1,200 mg) in 24 hours.
Dosing by Weight vs. Age
Ibuprofen is dosed by weight in children, not just age. The standard pediatric dose is 5 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose. A 12-year-old who weighs around 40 kg (88 lbs) would fall in the 200 to 400 mg range. A smaller 12-year-old weighing closer to 30 kg should stay closer to 200 mg per dose, while a larger child at 45 kg or above can safely take 400 mg.
The American Academy of Pediatrics lists 400 mg as the adult dose on its ibuprofen dosing table. Once your child weighs roughly 88 pounds or more, they can follow standard adult over-the-counter dosing: one to two 200 mg tablets every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
Choosing the Right Product
Junior strength ibuprofen tablets (like Junior Strength Advil) contain 100 mg per tablet. Regular adult ibuprofen tablets contain 200 mg each. At 12 years old, either product works. If your child is on the smaller side, junior strength tablets make it easier to fine-tune the dose in 100 mg increments. If they’re comfortable swallowing regular tablets and weigh enough for a 200 mg or 400 mg dose, adult tablets are simpler.
Liquid children’s ibuprofen (usually 100 mg per 5 mL) is another option if your child has trouble swallowing tablets. Just measure carefully with the syringe or cup included in the package.
How Often and How Long
Wait at least 6 hours between doses. Do not give more than three doses in a 24-hour period unless a doctor has specifically advised otherwise. For a fever, you generally only need ibuprofen for one to three days. For pain from an injury or dental procedure, keep use as short as possible, ideally under a week.
If your child still has a fever after three days of ibuprofen, or pain that isn’t improving after five to seven days, that’s a signal to check in with their doctor rather than continue dosing at home.
Reducing Stomach Side Effects
Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining. The most common complaints are stomach pain, nausea, bloating, and heartburn. Giving ibuprofen with food or a glass of milk reduces the chance of an upset stomach. Don’t give it on a completely empty stomach if you can avoid it.
More serious stomach problems, like bleeding or ulcers, are rare in children but possible with prolonged use. Warning signs include severe stomach pain, vomit that looks bloody or like coffee grounds, and stools that are very dark or black. These need immediate medical attention.
Watch for Hidden Ibuprofen in Other Products
Some cold and sinus medications combine ibuprofen with a decongestant in a single pill. For example, certain Advil Cold & Sinus products contain 200 mg of ibuprofen per tablet alongside a decongestant. If your child is already taking ibuprofen for pain or fever and you add one of these combination products, they could accidentally get a double dose. Always check the active ingredients list on any over-the-counter medicine before giving it alongside ibuprofen.
The same caution applies to other pain relievers in the same drug class, like naproxen. Don’t combine them. You can, however, alternate ibuprofen with acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed for persistent fever, since they work through different mechanisms.
Signs of Too Much Ibuprofen
If your child accidentally takes more than the recommended amount, symptoms to watch for include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, and headache. In more serious cases, there may be dizziness or difficulty breathing. A single extra dose is unlikely to cause major harm in an otherwise healthy child, but contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) or your local emergency line to get specific guidance based on how much was taken and your child’s weight.