Ibuprofen Dosing for an 80lb Child with Fever
For an 80-pound (approximately 36 kg) child with fever, administer ibuprofen 10 mg/kg per dose (360 mg) every 6-8 hours, with a maximum of 40 mg/kg/day (1440 mg/day). 1
Weight-Based Dosing Calculation
- An 80-pound child weighs approximately 36.3 kg (80 lb ÷ 2.2 = 36.3 kg)
- The recommended dose is 10 mg/kg per dose, which equals 360 mg for this child 1, 2
- This dose can be administered every 6-8 hours (3-4 times daily) 1, 2
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg/kg/day (approximately 1440 mg/day for this child) 1, 2
Dosing Frequency and Timing
- Ibuprofen should be given every 6-8 hours as needed for fever, which is less frequent than acetaminophen (every 4 hours) 3
- Maximum reduction in temperature occurs 3-4 hours after administration 4
- The longer duration of action (6-8 hours) makes ibuprofen advantageous compared to acetaminophen 3
Clinical Effectiveness
- Ibuprofen 10 mg/kg is at least as effective as acetaminophen 15 mg/kg and may be more effective as an antipyretic 3, 5
- The effective dose range for fever reduction is 7.5-10 mg/kg, with 10 mg/kg being optimal 4, 5
- After the initial dose, 10 mg/kg ibuprofen and 15 mg/kg acetaminophen show equal rates of temperature reduction 5
Safety Considerations
- Ibuprofen is well-tolerated in children and considered safe when used at recommended doses 2, 3
- Ensure adequate hydration when administering ibuprofen 2
- Ibuprofen is safer in overdose situations compared to acetaminophen, with less severe toxicity 3
- The safety profile is comparable to acetaminophen when both drugs are used appropriately 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not exceed the maximum of 3-4 doses in 24 hours to stay within the 40 mg/kg/day limit 1, 2
- Avoid using the rectal route, as absorption is erratic and less reliable, especially in younger children 2
- Carefully record all dose times to prevent accidentally exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose 6