Pediatric Ibuprofen Dosing
The recommended dose of ibuprofen for pediatric patients is 5-10 mg/kg per dose every 6-8 hours, with a maximum of 40 mg/kg per day. 1, 2
Dosing by Age Group
Infants (3-12 months)
- Dose: 5-10 mg/kg per dose
- Frequency: Every 6-8 hours as needed
- Maximum: 30-40 mg/kg per day
- Important: Only for infants >3 months of age and weighing >5-6 kg 2
- Note: Special attention must be given to hydration status
Children (1-12 years)
- Dose: 5-10 mg/kg per dose
- Frequency: Every 6-8 hours as needed (maximum 3-4 doses per day)
- Maximum daily dose: 30-40 mg/kg/day 2
Children ≥12 years and Adults
- Dose: 200-400 mg per dose
- Frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed
- Maximum: 6 tablets (1200 mg) in 24 hours 1
Administration Considerations
- Route: Oral administration is preferred and more reliable than rectal administration, especially in young infants 2
- Formulations:
- Liquid suspension (100 mg/5 mL) - ideal for precise dosing in younger children
- Chewable tablets (50 mg, 100 mg)
- Tablets (200 mg)
Clinical Efficacy
- Ibuprofen reaches maximum antipyretic effect 3-4 hours after administration 3
- At 10 mg/kg, ibuprofen provides more rapid fever reduction and longer duration of action compared to acetaminophen, especially for high fevers (≥101.9°F) 4
- For fever management, ibuprofen may be used alone or in combination with acetaminophen for enhanced antipyretic effect 5
Safety Considerations
- Ibuprofen appears to be better tolerated by children than adults 3
- Short-term use is considered safe in infants older than 3 months with adequate hydration 2
- Always record dose times carefully if using multiple antipyretics to avoid accidental overdosing 5
- Pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen in children aged 3-10 years appear similar regardless of dose (5 mg/kg vs 10 mg/kg) 6
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Dosing errors: Always calculate dose based on weight, not age alone
- Dehydration risk: Ensure adequate hydration, especially in febrile children
- Exceeding maximum doses: Parents commonly exceed recommended maximum doses (occurs in ~11% of cases) 5
- Inappropriate use in young infants: Not recommended for infants <3 months of age
- Confusion between formulations: Verify concentration when switching between different product formulations
When treating fever or pain in children, ibuprofen at 10 mg/kg provides optimal antipyretic and analgesic effects with an acceptable safety profile when used appropriately.