What is the recommended dose of ibuprofen (IBU) syrup for a child?

Recommended Dosage of Ibuprofen Syrup for Children

The recommended dose of ibuprofen syrup for children is 5-10 mg/kg per dose, which can be administered 3-4 times daily with a maximum total daily dose of 30-40 mg/kg. 1

Dosing Guidelines by Age

Infants 3-6 months

• Dose: 5-10 mg/kg per dose
• Frequency: Every 6-8 hours as needed
• Important: Only for infants weighing above 5-6 kg
• Maximum daily dose: 30-40 mg/kg/day
• Special consideration: Ensure proper hydration 1

Children over 6 months

• Dose: 5-10 mg/kg per dose
• Frequency: Every 6-8 hours (3-4 times daily)
• Maximum daily dose: 30-40 mg/kg/day 1

Administration Tips

• Calculate dose based on child's weight, not age
• Measure dose accurately using the provided dosing syringe or cup
• Do not exceed the recommended frequency (3-4 times daily)
• Maintain at least 6 hours between doses
• Administer with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects
• Do not use for more than 3 days for fever or 5 days for pain without consulting a healthcare provider

Clinical Efficacy

Ibuprofen has been shown to be effective for:

• Fever reduction (maximum effect occurs 3-4 hours after administration)
• Pain relief
• Inflammatory conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis 2

In comparative studies, ibuprofen has demonstrated:

• Equal or greater effectiveness than paracetamol as an analgesic and antipyretic
• Longer duration of action than paracetamol 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Dosing errors: 51% of parents give inaccurate doses of antipyretics, with 26% specifically misdosing ibuprofen 3
2. Weight-based calculation: Always calculate dose based on weight, not age or height. Parents who base dosing on weight are less likely to give incorrect doses 3
3. Overdosing: Never exceed the maximum daily dose of 30-40 mg/kg/day
4. Underdosing: Using less than 5 mg/kg may result in inadequate symptom relief
5. Inappropriate use in young infants: Not recommended for infants younger than 3 months or weighing less than 5-6 kg 1
6. Dehydration risk: Ensure child remains well-hydrated while taking ibuprofen, especially when treating fever

Safety Considerations

• Ibuprofen is generally well-tolerated by children, with fewer adverse effects than in adults 2
• Short-term use is considered safe in infants older than 3 months weighing above 5-6 kg 1
• The rectal route has less reliable absorption, especially in young infants, and should be avoided 1
• Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal upset, which is the most common side effect

Remember that fever is typically a short-lived symptom, and parents should be advised to seek medical attention if fever persists beyond 3 days or if the child's condition worsens despite appropriate dosing of ibuprofen.