How much ibuprofen should you give a 6-year-old child?

For a 6-year-old child weighing 48 to 59 pounds, the dosage of ibuprofen, also called Motrin, is 200 milligrams every six to eight hours, according to McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Using a liquid preparation of 100 milligrams per 5 milliliters, this is equivalent to 2 teaspoons.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains, notes McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Pediatric dosing of ibuprofen is based on weight, so the dosage should be calculated using the child's weight rather than age. The liquid formulation should be shaken before use. No more than four doses per day should be given.