Recommended Dosage of Brufen (Ibuprofen) for Pediatric Patients
The recommended dosage of Brufen (ibuprofen) for pediatric patients is 5-10 mg/kg per dose, which can be administered 3-4 times daily with a maximum total daily dose of 30-40 mg/kg. 1
Dosage Guidelines by Age
- For infants older than 3 months weighing above 5-6 kg: 5-10 mg/kg per dose, 3-4 times daily 1
- For children with fever or mild-moderate pain: 7.5-10 mg/kg per dose is the most effective dose range 2
- Maximum frequency: Every 6-8 hours (3-4 doses per 24 hours) 1, 3
- Maximum daily dose: Should not exceed 30-40 mg/kg/day 1
Route of Administration Considerations
- Oral administration is preferred for reliability of absorption 1
- Rectal route should be avoided in young infants due to erratic absorption 1
- Intravenous ibuprofen is available in some settings but is not commonly used for routine pain management in children 3
Clinical Efficacy
- Maximum fever reduction occurs 3-4 hours after administration 2
- Duration of action is typically longer than paracetamol (acetaminophen) 2
- For inflammatory pain, ibuprofen is considered a first-line treatment option in children 4
Important Precautions and Contraindications
- Avoid use in dehydrated patients, especially those with diarrhea and vomiting 4
- Contraindicated in neonates (under 3 months of age) 4
- Contraindicated in children with known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs 4
- Should not be used in children with wheezing, persistent asthma, or during varicella (chickenpox) 4
- Use caution when treating fever, as most adverse events occur when ibuprofen is used for fever or flu-like symptoms 4
Monitoring and Safety
- Ibuprofen is generally better tolerated by children than adults 2
- Monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms, though GI events are rare in children 4
- Ensure proper hydration status before administration 4
- Parents should be advised to carefully record dose times to avoid accidentally exceeding maximum recommended doses 5
Clinical Pearl
When treating fever in young children, ibuprofen may be more effective than paracetamol alone, with studies showing it provides longer duration of fever control 5. However, the decision to use ibuprofen should be based on the underlying condition rather than just the presence of fever 4.