Voveran (Diclofenac) Dosage for 38 kg Patient
For a 38 kg patient, the recommended dose of Voveran (diclofenac) is 1 mg/kg every 8 hours, which equals 38 mg three times daily, not to exceed 150 mg per day. 1
Weight-Based Dosing Algorithm
Pediatric dosing for diclofenac follows a strict weight-based calculation:
- Standard dose: 0.5-1 mg/kg every 8 hours 1
- For a 38 kg patient: This translates to 19-38 mg every 8 hours
- Practical dosing: Use 38 mg (approximately 1 mg/kg) three times daily
- Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 150 mg/day total 1
Route-Specific Considerations
Oral administration:
- Administer with meals to improve gastrointestinal tolerability 2
- Available as immediate-release tablets in 50 mg strength 2
- For this patient, consider using 50 mg twice daily (100 mg/day total) as a practical alternative to achieve therapeutic effect while staying well below maximum dose 2
Rectal administration (if oral route unavailable):
- 0.5-1 mg/kg every 8 hours 1
- Same weight-based calculation applies
Adult vs Pediatric Dosing Context
The evidence base requires careful interpretation for a 38 kg patient, as this weight could represent either a larger child or a small adult:
If pediatric patient: Follow the weight-based dosing of 1 mg/kg every 8 hours (38 mg TID) 1
If adult patient: Standard adult dosing is 50 mg three times daily for pain, or 100-150 mg/day in divided doses for osteoarthritis 2, 3. For a 38 kg adult, consider starting at the lower end (50 mg twice daily = 100 mg/day) given the lower body weight.
Critical Safety Considerations
Gastrointestinal protection:
- Diclofenac carries significant GI bleeding risk 2
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration 2
- Consider concomitant proton pump inhibitor if risk factors present
Renal function monitoring:
- Dose adjustment may be necessary if renal impairment exists 1
- NSAIDs can cause acute kidney injury, particularly in volume-depleted states
Contraindications to verify:
- Active GI bleeding or ulcer disease 2
- Severe renal impairment
- Known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
- Third trimester pregnancy 2
Duration of Therapy
Short-term use only: