Ibuprofen Dosing for a 5-Year-Old Child
For a 5-year-old child, administer ibuprofen at 10 mg/kg per dose orally every 6-8 hours as needed, not exceeding 40 mg/kg per day or a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours. 1
Weight-Based Dosing Algorithm
The exact dose depends on the child's weight:
- If weight is known: Calculate 10 mg/kg per dose 1, 2
- Average 5-year-old (approximately 18-20 kg): This translates to roughly 180-200 mg per dose
- Maximum daily dose: 40 mg/kg/day, divided into 3-4 doses 1, 2
Dosing Interval and Timing
- Standard interval: Every 6-8 hours 1
- Maximum frequency: 3-4 times daily (every 6 hours if needed for 4 doses, or every 8 hours for 3 doses) 1, 2
- Peak effect: Maximum temperature reduction occurs 3-4 hours after administration 3
Important Clinical Considerations
Safety profile: Ibuprofen is well-tolerated in children over 6 months of age and is considered safer in overdose than acetaminophen 3. Short-term use is safe when the child is adequately hydrated 2.
Duration of action: Ibuprofen has a longer duration of action compared to acetaminophen, providing approximately 2.5 additional hours without fever over 24 hours 4.
Route of administration: Use oral route only; rectal administration shows erratic absorption in young children and is less reliable 2.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Exceeding maximum daily dose: Parents accidentally exceed recommended doses in 8-11% of cases when using multiple medications 4. Carefully record all dose times.
- Dehydration risk: Ensure adequate hydration before and during ibuprofen use 2
- Dose calculation errors: Always calculate based on actual body weight using 10 mg/kg, not age-based estimates 1, 2
- Combining with other NSAIDs: Do not use with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs simultaneously
Formulation Guidance
Ibuprofen liquid suspension is typically available as 100 mg/5 mL concentration. For a 20 kg child, this would be 200 mg (10 mL) per dose 3, 2.