Ibuprofen (Ibugesic) Dosing for Pediatric Patients
The recommended dose of ibuprofen (Ibugesic) for pediatric patients is 5-10 mg/kg per dose, administered every 6-8 hours, with a maximum of 3-4 doses per 24 hours, resulting in a maximum total daily dose of 30-40 mg/kg. 1
Age-Specific Dosing Guidelines
- For infants older than 3 months weighing above 5-6 kg: 5-10 mg/kg per dose 1
- For children 6 months to 6 years: 5-10 mg/kg per dose 2
- Maximum frequency: Every 6-8 hours (3-4 doses per 24 hours) 3, 1
- Maximum daily dose: 30-40 mg/kg/day 1
Administration Considerations
- Oral administration is preferred over rectal routes due to more reliable absorption, especially in young infants 1
- The relationship between dose and response is linear over the range of 5-10 mg/kg 4
- Maximum fever reduction occurs 3-4 hours after administration 4
- Short-term use of ibuprofen is considered safe in infants older than 3 months with adequate hydration 1
Clinical Efficacy
- Ibuprofen has been shown to be equally or more effective than paracetamol as an analgesic and antipyretic 4
- Ibuprofen has a longer duration of action compared to paracetamol 4
- When used for fever, ibuprofen can provide up to 8 hours of temperature reduction per dose 2
Safety Considerations
- Ensure adequate hydration in all pediatric patients receiving ibuprofen 1
- Monitor for potential side effects, although clinical experience suggests ibuprofen is better tolerated by children than adults 4
- Avoid exceeding the recommended maximum doses to prevent adverse effects 2
- Carefully record all dose times if using multiple medications to avoid accidentally exceeding maximum recommended doses 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose (30-40 mg/kg/day) 1
- Using rectal administration in young infants due to erratic absorption 1
- Failing to adjust dosing based on the child's weight 1
- Not maintaining adequate hydration during treatment 1
- Administering doses too frequently (less than 6 hours apart) 3