What are the recommended doses of Nurofen (ibuprofen) and lansoprazole for a 5-year-old child weighing 16 kg?

Dosing Recommendations for Nurofen (Ibuprofen) and Lansoprazole for a 5-Year-Old Child Weighing 16 kg

For a 5-year-old child weighing 16 kg, the recommended dose of Nurofen (ibuprofen) is 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours (80-160 mg per dose), with a maximum of 30-40 mg/kg/day, and lansoprazole 15 mg once daily.

Ibuprofen (Nurofen) Dosing

Recommended Dosage

• Dose calculation: 5-10 mg/kg per dose
  • For a 16 kg child: 80-160 mg per dose
• Frequency: Every 6-8 hours as needed
• Maximum daily dose: 30-40 mg/kg/day (480-640 mg/day for a 16 kg child)
• Administration: Can be given with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation

Practical Administration

• Nurofen pediatric suspension typically comes as 100 mg/5 mL
• Appropriate dose would be 4-8 mL per administration
• Use a calibrated measuring device for accurate dosing

Safety Considerations

• Research shows that ibuprofen is considered safe in children over 3 months weighing more than 5-6 kg when proper attention is given to hydration 1
• Studies indicate ibuprofen may be better tolerated by children than adults and is safer in overdose than paracetamol and aspirin 2
• Ensure proper dosing as research shows over 50% of caregivers give inaccurate doses of antipyretics to children, with infants being at highest risk 3

Lansoprazole Dosing

Recommended Dosage

• Standard pediatric dose: 15 mg once daily
• This is the appropriate dose for a 5-year-old child weighing 16 kg
• Duration: Based on indication; for NSAID-associated gastric protection, can be used for extended periods with appropriate monitoring

Safety Profile

• Lansoprazole has demonstrated efficacy in preventing NSAID-associated gastric or duodenal ulcers in long-term studies 4
• The most common adverse effect reported with long-term lansoprazole therapy is diarrhea

Important Considerations

For Ibuprofen

• Ensure adequate hydration while the child is taking ibuprofen
• Do not exceed the recommended maximum daily dose
• If fever persists beyond 3 days or pain beyond 5 days, consult a healthcare provider
• Avoid using multiple NSAID products simultaneously

For Lansoprazole

• Best administered before meals
• For children who cannot swallow capsules, contents can be mixed with a small amount of acidic food (e.g., apple sauce) or dispersed in apple juice
• Monitor for potential side effects including headache, abdominal pain, or diarrhea

Potential Drug Interactions

• Be cautious if the child is taking other medications, as both ibuprofen and lansoprazole may interact with certain drugs
• Inform all healthcare providers about all medications the child is taking

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Dosing errors: Always calculate dose based on weight, not age alone
2. Exceeding maximum daily dose: Keep track of all doses given within 24 hours
3. Inadequate hydration: Ensure child drinks plenty of fluids while taking ibuprofen
4. Prolonged use without medical supervision: Regular follow-up is recommended for children on lansoprazole

Remember that weight-based dosing is more accurate than age-based dosing, as evidenced by research showing caregivers who dose based on weight are less likely to give inaccurate doses 3.