Ibuprofen Dosage for Fever in a 5-Year-Old Child
The recommended dosage of ibuprofen for fever in a 5-year-old child is 10 mg/kg every 8 hours. 1
Dosing Guidelines
- Ibuprofen should be dosed at 10 mg/kg per dose, administered every 8 hours for fever management in children 1, 2
- For a 5-year-old child, oral ibuprofen is the preferred route of administration as it provides reliable absorption compared to rectal administration 3
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 30-40 mg/kg/day (divided into 3-4 doses) 3
- The antipyretic effect typically peaks at 3-4 hours after administration 2
Administration Considerations
- Ibuprofen suspension/liquid formulation is appropriate for children of this age 4
- Administer with food or milk to reduce potential gastrointestinal irritation 2
- Ensure proper hydration of the child while using ibuprofen to prevent potential renal adverse effects 3
Efficacy
- At 10 mg/kg dosing, ibuprofen demonstrates superior fever reduction compared to lower doses (5 mg/kg) 5, 4
- Clinical studies show that 10 mg/kg of ibuprofen is as effective as or more effective than 15 mg/kg of acetaminophen for fever reduction 5, 4
- The relationship between dose and response is linear over the range of 5-10 mg/kg 2
Safety Considerations
- Short-term use of ibuprofen at recommended doses is considered safe in children over 3 months of age 3
- Ibuprofen is generally better tolerated by children than adults 2
- Monitor for potential side effects including gastrointestinal discomfort, although these are uncommon at recommended doses 5
- Avoid use if the child is dehydrated or has renal impairment 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underdosing (using less than 10 mg/kg) may result in inadequate fever control, especially for temperatures above 102.5°F 4
- Exceeding the maximum daily dose of 40 mg/kg/day can increase risk of adverse effects 3
- Using the rectal route in young children should be avoided due to erratic absorption 3
- Failing to maintain adequate hydration during fever management with ibuprofen 3