What is the recommended dosage of ibuprofen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for an 11-year-old child?

Ibuprofen Dosing for an 11-Year-Old Child

For an 11-year-old child, the recommended dosage of ibuprofen is 10 mg/kg every 8 hours by mouth, with a maximum of 40 mg/kg/day or 600 mg per dose. 1

Dosage Recommendations

• For children aged 5-11 years (including 11-year-olds), the standard dosing is 10 mg/kg per dose every 6-8 hours 1
• Maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg/kg/day 1
• For an 11-year-old who weighs more than 40 kg, the adult dosing limit of 600 mg per dose applies 1
• The relationship between dose and response is linear over the range of 5-10 mg/kg 2

Administration Considerations

• Ibuprofen can be administered with food to reduce potential gastrointestinal side effects 3
• Maximum analgesic and antipyretic effects occur approximately 3-4 hours after administration 2
• Ibuprofen has been shown to have a longer duration of action compared to acetaminophen 2

Safety Considerations

• Ibuprofen should not be given to children who are dehydrated or experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, as this increases the risk of renal damage 3
• It is contraindicated in children with known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs 3
• Avoid use in children with persistent asthma or wheezing 3
• Do not administer during chickenpox (varicella) infections due to increased risk of invasive group A streptococcal infections 4

Clinical Efficacy

• At equal doses, ibuprofen appears slightly more effective than acetaminophen for fever reduction 4
• For pain relief, ibuprofen is considered equally effective as acetaminophen 4
• Clinical trials have established the effective dose range to be 7.5-10 mg/kg 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose of 40 mg/kg/day, as higher doses increase the risk of adverse effects 1, 3
• Do not use ibuprofen primarily as an antipyretic except in rare cases where specifically indicated 3
• Be cautious with long-term use, as gastrointestinal events, though rare, can affect both upper and lower digestive tract 3
• Ensure proper hydration status before administering ibuprofen to prevent renal complications 3, 4

Special Considerations

• Short-term use of ibuprofen at recommended doses has a good safety profile comparable to acetaminophen 5
• For children with inflammatory conditions, ibuprofen remains the drug of first choice for inflammatory pain 3
• The rectal route of administration is less reliable due to erratic absorption, especially in younger children 6