Ibuprofen Dosing for an 8.9 kg Infant
For an 8.9 kg baby, administer ibuprofen 89 mg per dose (calculated as 10 mg/kg), given every 8 hours, with a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours (total daily dose not exceeding 267 mg). 1
Weight-Based Dosing Calculation
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 10 mg/kg per dose every 8 hours for pediatric ibuprofen administration. 1
- For an 8.9 kg infant: 8.9 kg × 10 mg/kg = 89 mg per dose 1
- This falls within the <15 kg weight category for pediatric dosing guidelines 1
Practical Administration with Ibugesic Syrup
- Most ibuprofen syrups (including Ibugesic) contain 100 mg per 5 mL concentration
- For 89 mg dose: administer approximately 4.5 mL of syrup per dose
- Dosing interval: every 8 hours (three times daily) 1
- Maximum 3 doses in 24 hours 1
Safety Parameters
- Maximum daily dose: 30 mg/kg/day (267 mg total daily for this 8.9 kg child) 1
- The calculated regimen (89 mg × 3 doses = 267 mg/day) stays within safe limits 1
- Duration: Use for shortest time necessary, typically not exceeding 10 days for acute pain/fever 2, 3
Critical Safety Warnings
- Ensure parents avoid all other products containing ibuprofen or NSAIDs to prevent accidental overdose 1
- Ibuprofen should not be used in infants under 6 months of age without specific medical supervision 4
- Monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms, though risk is low at these doses 4, 3
- Ensure adequate hydration, as dehydration increases risk of renal adverse effects 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not combine with other NSAIDs or multiple fever/pain medications without checking ingredients 1
- Do not exceed the weight-based dose even if fever persists—consider alternating with paracetamol if needed rather than increasing ibuprofen dose 1
- Avoid dosing more frequently than every 8 hours, as the short plasma half-life does not justify more frequent administration and increases toxicity risk 5, 4