What is the recommended dose of ibuprofen (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)) for a 17-year-old?

Ibuprofen Dosing for a 17-Year-Old

The recommended dose of ibuprofen for a 17-year-old is 400-600 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain, not exceeding 3200 mg per day. 1

Dosing Guidelines

• For a 17-year-old (considered an adult for dosing purposes), the standard adult dosing applies: 400-600 mg every 4-6 hours as needed for pain relief 1
• The maximum daily dose should not exceed 3200 mg per day 1
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to minimize side effects 1
• For mild to moderate pain, 400 mg every 4-6 hours is typically sufficient, as higher doses have not shown greater efficacy for pain relief 1

Administration Considerations

• Administer with food or milk if gastrointestinal complaints occur 1
• For optimal pain relief, ibuprofen should be taken at the first sign of pain 2
• The duration of action for ibuprofen 400 mg is approximately 6 hours, compared to 4-6 hours for ibuprofen 200 mg 3

Safety Considerations

• Ibuprofen has a good safety profile at lower doses (800-1200 mg/day) comparable to acetaminophen 4
• Monitor for potential side effects including gastrointestinal upset, which is the most common adverse effect 4
• Caution should be used in patients with:
  • History of gastrointestinal issues (peptic ulcer disease) 2
  • Renal impairment 2
  • Cardiovascular disease 2
  • Concurrent use of anticoagulants 2

Efficacy

• Ibuprofen is effective for various pain conditions including headache, dental pain, musculoskeletal pain, and dysmenorrhea 1, 3
• For fever reduction, ibuprofen has been shown to be more effective than acetaminophen 5, 6
• The onset of action is typically within 30-60 minutes, with peak effects at 1-2 hours 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Exceeding the maximum recommended dose of 3200 mg/day, which increases risk of adverse effects 1
• Using multiple NSAIDs simultaneously, which increases risk without additional benefit 2
• Prolonged use without medical supervision, which can lead to gastrointestinal, renal, or cardiovascular complications 2, 4
• Taking on an empty stomach, which increases risk of gastrointestinal irritation 1

Special Considerations

• For chronic conditions requiring long-term use (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), medical supervision is recommended 1
• If inadequate pain relief is achieved with ibuprofen alone, consider alternative or additional analgesics rather than exceeding the maximum recommended dose 2
• Carefully record dose times to avoid accidentally exceeding the maximum recommended dose 5