Ibuprofen Dosing for an 80-inch Child
The appropriate dose of ibuprofen for a child is 10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours, with a maximum of 40 mg/kg per day, based on the child's weight rather than height. 1
Weight-Based Dosing Calculation
For ibuprofen dosing in pediatrics, weight is the critical factor, not height. An 80-inch (6'8") child would be extremely tall and likely weighs more than the average child. Without knowing the exact weight, we must estimate:
- For children weighing >40 kg (88 lbs), the recommended dose is 400-600 mg per dose 1
- Maximum daily dose should not exceed 1200-1500 mg per day 1
- Standard adult dosing (which would apply to larger children) is 400-600 mg every 6-8 hours
Administration Guidelines
- Give ibuprofen with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 1
- Regular dosing provides better symptom control than as-needed dosing 1
- The analgesic and antipyretic effects typically last 6-8 hours 2
- Available forms include tablets, capsules, or liquid formulations
Efficacy Information
- Ibuprofen has been shown to be equally or more effective than acetaminophen for both pain relief and fever reduction 2, 3
- Maximum temperature reduction occurs 3-4 hours after administration 2
- Studies show ibuprofen at 10 mg/kg provides more rapid fever reduction with longer duration than acetaminophen, especially for high fevers 4
Safety Considerations
- Ibuprofen is generally well-tolerated in children with a safety profile at recommended doses comparable to acetaminophen 1
- Ensure adequate hydration while taking ibuprofen 1
- Avoid in children with:
- Known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe renal impairment
- Concurrent use with other NSAIDs 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underdosing (less effective for symptom control)
- Exceeding the maximum daily dose (increases risk of side effects)
- Administering on an empty stomach (increases GI irritation)
- Not adjusting dose based on weight 1
- Exceeding the recommended frequency (no more than 3-4 doses in 24 hours) 5
For an extremely tall child (80 inches), it's important to calculate the dose based on actual weight rather than age or height to ensure both safety and efficacy.