What is the recommended dose of ibuprofen (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)) for a 14-year-old patient weighing 64 kilograms (kg) (142 pounds)?

Ibuprofen Dosing for a 14-Year-Old Weighing 142 Pounds

The recommended dose of ibuprofen for a 14-year-old weighing 142 pounds (64 kg) is 640 mg every 8 hours, not exceeding 1920 mg per day. 1

Dosage Calculation

• For adolescents weighing more than 40 kg, adult dosing guidelines apply 2
• The standard ibuprofen dosage is 10 mg/kg per dose 2, 3
• For this 64 kg patient: 10 mg/kg × 64 kg = 640 mg per dose 1
• Maximum daily dose should not exceed 3200 mg total 1

Administration Guidelines

• Administer every 8 hours (3 times daily) 2
• Maximum of 3 doses in a 24-hour period 2
• Give with food or milk if gastrointestinal complaints occur 1
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals 1

Clinical Considerations

• Ibuprofen has been shown to be effective for treating pain and fever in children and adolescents 3
• The relationship between dose and response is linear over the range of 5-10 mg/kg 3
• Maximum analgesic effect occurs with 400 mg doses in adults, which is appropriate for this adolescent's weight 4
• Duration of action at this dose is approximately 6 hours 4

Safety Considerations

• Monitor for potential side effects including gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and rash 2
• Use with caution in patients with history of:
  • Peptic ulcer disease 2
  • Renal impairment 2
  • Cardiovascular disease 2
  • Bleeding disorders 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Exceeding maximum daily dose (3200 mg) 1
• Inadequate dosing based on age rather than weight can lead to suboptimal pain or fever control 5
• Caregivers who base dosing on weight are less likely to give inaccurate doses 5
• Combining with other NSAID medications or acetaminophen-containing products without adjusting doses 2
• Failing to account for "hidden sources" of NSAIDs in combination medications 2

Alternative Considerations

• If ibuprofen is contraindicated or ineffective, acetaminophen 10-15 mg/kg every 6 hours may be considered 2
• For more severe pain, a multimodal approach may be necessary 6