What is the recommended dose of ibuprofen (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)) for an 80-pound person?

Ibuprofen Dosing for an 80-Pound Person

For an 80-pound (36.3 kg) person, the appropriate ibuprofen dose is 200-400 mg every 6 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose of 1200 mg.

Weight-Based Dosing Calculation

Ibuprofen dosing should be calculated based on the person's weight when they fall below typical adult weight thresholds. For an 80-pound person:

• The FDA-approved ibuprofen dosing guidelines recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration 1
• For adults, the standard dose range is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours 1
• For an 80-pound person (36.3 kg), who is lighter than the average adult:
  • The dose should be reduced proportionally
  • Maximum daily dose should not exceed 1200 mg (compared to 3200 mg for full-sized adults)

Dosing Recommendations by Pain Severity

1. For mild pain:

   • 200 mg every 6 hours as needed
   • This provides adequate analgesia while minimizing side effects 2

2. For moderate pain:

   • 400 mg every 6 hours as needed
   • The 400 mg dose provides more effective pain relief for moderate pain 2
   • Duration of action for 400 mg is approximately 6 hours 2

3. Maximum daily dose:

   • Do not exceed 1200 mg in 24 hours for an 80-pound person
   • This is proportionally reduced from the 3200 mg maximum for full-sized adults 1

Important Considerations

• Take with food or milk to reduce gastrointestinal complaints 1
• Duration of therapy: Use for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms 1
• Contraindications:
  • Aspirin/NSAID-induced asthma
  • History of GI bleeding
  • Severe renal or hepatic impairment

Safety Profile

Ibuprofen at these reduced doses has a favorable safety profile compared to other NSAIDs:

• Lower risk of gastrointestinal complications than many other NSAIDs 3
• Short plasma half-life of elimination contributes to low toxic potential 3
• At low doses (800-1200 mg/day), ibuprofen has a safety profile comparable to acetaminophen 3

Special Considerations for Specific Conditions

• Fever reduction: 200-400 mg every 6 hours as needed
• Inflammatory conditions: May require consistent dosing at the higher end of the range (400 mg every 6 hours)
• Acute injury: Initial dose of 400 mg, followed by 200-400 mg every 6 hours as needed

Always monitor for side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, or rash, which may indicate the need to reduce the dose or discontinue use.