What is the recommended dose of ibuprofen (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)) for a 13-year-old weighing 48 kilograms (kg)?

Ibuprofen Dosing for a 13-Year-Old Weighing 48 kg

For a 13-year-old weighing 48 kg, the recommended dose of ibuprofen is 10 mg/kg every 8 hours, which equals 480 mg per dose (rounded to 400-500 mg) with a maximum of three doses in 24 hours. 1

Dosage Calculation

The appropriate dosing for this adolescent can be determined as follows:

• Weight-based dosing: 10 mg/kg × 48 kg = 480 mg per dose
• Standard dosing range: 400-500 mg per dose is appropriate
• Frequency: Every 8 hours (maximum 3 doses in 24 hours)
• Maximum daily dose: 1200-1500 mg per day

Administration Guidelines

• Ibuprofen should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects
• The medication can be administered as tablets, capsules, or liquid formulation
• For acute pain or fever, regular dosing provides better symptom control than as-needed dosing

Evidence Basis

The European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology (ESPA) Pain Management Ladder Initiative recommends ibuprofen at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 8 hours for children 1. This recommendation is supported by extensive clinical experience showing that ibuprofen is generally well-tolerated by children and provides effective analgesia and antipyresis.

Clinical Considerations

Efficacy

• Ibuprofen has been shown to be as effective or more effective than paracetamol (acetaminophen) as both an analgesic and antipyretic
• The analgesic effect typically lasts 6-8 hours
• Maximum temperature reduction occurs 3-4 hours after administration

Safety Profile

• Ibuprofen is generally well-tolerated in children and adolescents
• Children typically experience fewer adverse effects than adults
• The safety profile at recommended doses is comparable to paracetamol

Precautions

• Ensure adequate hydration while taking ibuprofen
• Avoid use if the patient has:
  • Known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
  • Active gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Concurrent use with other NSAIDs

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Underdosing: Giving less than 10 mg/kg may result in inadequate pain relief or fever reduction
2. Exceeding maximum daily dose: No more than 3 doses should be given in a 24-hour period
3. Failing to adjust for weight: Adolescents should receive weight-based dosing rather than standard adult doses if their weight indicates a different appropriate dose
4. Administering on an empty stomach: This increases the risk of gastrointestinal irritation

By following these guidelines, ibuprofen can be safely and effectively administered to this 13-year-old patient for pain relief or fever reduction.