From the Guidelines
For a 9-year-old boy, the recommended dosage of ibuprofen (Motrin) for pain control is 5-10 mg per kilogram of body weight every 6-8 hours as needed, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours. This dosage is based on the general guidelines for pediatric pain management, although the specific study 1 focuses on migraine management in children and adolescents, it mentions ibuprofen as a first-line medication for pain control, emphasizing the importance of using a dose appropriate for body weight. For an average 9-year-old weighing approximately 28-30 kg, this typically translates to 150-300 mg per dose. Ibuprofen is available in liquid form (100 mg/5 mL) which may be easier to administer at precise doses, or as chewable tablets (100 mg) and regular tablets (200 mg) for children who can swallow pills.
- Key considerations include:
- Always measuring liquid medication with the provided dosing device, not household spoons.
- Giving ibuprofen with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Understanding that the medication works by blocking enzymes that produce prostaglandins, chemicals that promote pain, inflammation, and fever.
- Recognizing that effects typically begin within 30 minutes and last 6-8 hours.
- Consulting a healthcare provider if pain persists beyond 3 days or if fever lasts more than 3 days.
- Avoiding giving ibuprofen if the child has known allergies to NSAIDs, kidney disease, bleeding disorders, or is taking certain medications that may interact with ibuprofen, as noted in general medical practice and not specifically outlined in 1.
From the Research
Recommended Dosing for Ibuprofen (Motrin) in a 9-Year-Old Boy
The recommended dosing of ibuprofen for pain control in children is based on their weight. According to the studies, the effective dose range of ibuprofen is 7.5-10 mg/kg 2.
- The dose of ibuprofen can be administered 3-4 times a day, resulting in a maximum total daily dose of 30-40 mg/kg 3.
- For a 9-year-old boy, the exact dose would depend on his weight, but a general guideline is to use 10 mg/kg per dose 4.
- It is essential to follow the recommended dosage instructions and not exceed the maximum daily dose to avoid adverse effects.
Considerations for Administration
- Ibuprofen should be prescribed based on body weight, and the rectal route has been shown to be less reliable due to erratic absorption, especially in young infants 3.
- The absorption of ibuprofen is influenced by formulation, and certain salts of ibuprofen and solubilised formulations have an enhanced onset of activity 5.
Comparison with Other Medications
- Ibuprofen has been shown to be equally as effective as or more effective than paracetamol (acetaminophen) as an analgesic and antipyretic, with a longer duration of action 2, 6.
- The combination of ibuprofen and other medications, such as hydrocodone, may be more effective than either drug alone in certain cases 5.