What is the recommended dose of ibuprofen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for a 4-year-old child?

Ibuprofen Dosage for 4-Year-Old Children

The recommended dose of ibuprofen for a 4-year-old child is 10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours, with a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours. 1

Weight-Based Dosing Calculation

For a 4-year-old child, the dosage should be calculated based on their weight:

• Formula: 10 mg/kg × weight in kg = dose per administration
• Example: For a 4-year-old weighing 16 kg, the dose would be 160 mg per administration

Administration Guidelines

• Administer every 6-8 hours as needed
• Do not exceed 3 doses in 24 hours
• Maximum daily dose should not exceed 30-40 mg/kg 2
• Give with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal side effects
• Available in liquid formulation for easier administration to young children

Effectiveness and Duration

• Onset of action: Within 30-60 minutes
• Maximum effect: 3-4 hours after administration 3
• Duration of action: 6-8 hours for analgesic effect 1
• Ibuprofen has been shown to be as effective or more effective than acetaminophen for both pain relief and fever reduction 1, 3

Safety Considerations

• Ensure adequate hydration while the child is taking ibuprofen 1
• Avoid administering on an empty stomach to reduce risk of gastrointestinal irritation
• Record all dose times carefully to avoid accidentally exceeding the maximum recommended dose 4
• Monitor for any signs of adverse effects, though clinical experience suggests ibuprofen is generally well-tolerated by children 3

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
• Active gastrointestinal bleeding
• Severe renal impairment
• Concurrent use with other NSAIDs 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Underdosing (less than 10 mg/kg), which may result in inadequate symptom control
2. Exceeding the maximum daily dose (more than 3 doses in 24 hours)
3. Failing to adjust the dose according to the child's weight
4. Administering on an empty stomach, which increases risk of gastrointestinal irritation
5. Using adult formulations without proper dose adjustment

Regular dosing provides better symptom control than as-needed dosing for acute pain or fever. If fever or pain persists beyond 48-72 hours despite appropriate dosing, further medical evaluation is recommended.