What is the maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for a 1-year-old child?

Maximum Ibuprofen Dosage for a 1-Year-Old Child

The maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen for a 1-year-old child is 10 mg/kg per dose, with a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours (40 mg/kg/day total). 1, 2

Dosing Guidelines

Weight-Based Dosing

• Standard dose: 5-10 mg/kg per dose 1, 2
• Frequency: Every 6-8 hours as needed 1, 2
• Maximum doses per day: 3-4 doses (not to exceed 40 mg/kg/day) 1, 2

Administration Considerations

• Ibuprofen should be given with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 1
• Available formulations for young children:
  • Oral suspension (100 mg/5 mL)
  • Infant drops (50 mg/1.25 mL)
• Measure doses precisely using the provided dosing syringe or cup

Safety Considerations for 1-Year-Olds

Precautions

• Ensure the child weighs more than 5-6 kg before administering ibuprofen 2
• Maintain adequate hydration, especially important in young children 1, 3
• Do not administer if the child has:
  • Dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting 3
  • Known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs 1
  • Wheezing or persistent asthma 3
  • Active gastrointestinal bleeding 1

Monitoring

• Monitor for signs of adverse effects:
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, vomiting)
  • Skin rashes
  • Changes in urine output
• If no improvement in fever or pain is seen within 48-72 hours, further medical evaluation is recommended 1

Efficacy

• Ibuprofen's analgesic and antipyretic effects typically last 6-8 hours 1
• Maximum temperature reduction occurs 3-4 hours after administration 4
• Studies show ibuprofen is as effective or more effective than acetaminophen for both pain relief and fever reduction 4, 5

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Exceeding the maximum daily dose (reported in 11% of children) 5
• Administering on an empty stomach, which increases GI side effect risk 1
• Using for fever without considering the underlying cause 3
• Administering when the child is dehydrated 3
• Using adult formulations without proper dose calculation 1

Remember that ibuprofen should be used for specific indications such as pain or inflammatory conditions rather than routinely for all fevers. The safety profile of ibuprofen in children is generally good when administered at appropriate doses and with proper precautions.