Ibuprofen (Brufen) Syrup Dosing for 8-Year-Old, 16.3 kg
For this 8-year-old child weighing 16.3 kg, administer ibuprofen 163 mg per dose (approximately 10 mg/kg), given every 6-8 hours as needed, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours (maximum daily dose: 652 mg or 40 mg/kg/day).
Weight-Based Dose Calculation
- The standard pediatric dosing for ibuprofen is 10 mg/kg per dose for pain and fever management 1, 2
- For this child: 16.3 kg × 10 mg/kg = 163 mg per dose 1
- The dosing interval should be every 6-8 hours as needed, with a minimum 6-hour interval between doses 2
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg/kg/day (652 mg/day for this child) or 4 doses in 24 hours 1, 3
Practical Syrup Administration
- Ibuprofen syrup typically comes as 100 mg/5 mL (20 mg/mL) concentration 1
- For 163 mg dose: administer 8 mL of syrup (160 mg - acceptable rounding) 4
- Use an accurate oral syringe or measuring device for precise dosing 5
- May be given with or without food, though administration with meals may improve gastrointestinal tolerability 5, 1
Dosing Range and Flexibility
- The therapeutic range is 5-10 mg/kg per dose, with 10 mg/kg being the standard effective dose 1, 2
- For less severe pain, a lower dose of 5 mg/kg (approximately 80 mg or 4 mL) may be considered 1
- The 200 mg single dose is the minimum clinically useful dose in adults, but weight-based dosing is more appropriate for children 2
Critical Safety Parameters
- Maximum single dose: 10 mg/kg (163 mg for this child) 1
- Maximum daily dose: 40 mg/kg/day or 652 mg/day (not to exceed 4 doses) 1, 3
- Minimum dosing interval: 6 hours between doses 2
- Duration: Should not exceed 10 days for pain without medical supervision 3
Clinical Considerations
- Ibuprofen demonstrates rapid and complete absorption when given orally, with peak effects occurring within 1-2 hours 6, 2
- The duration of action is at least 6 hours for adequate doses, supporting the 6-8 hour dosing interval 2
- At OTC doses (≤1200 mg/day in adults, proportionally lower in children), ibuprofen has a favorable safety profile comparable to paracetamol with low gastrointestinal risk 1, 3
- The short plasma elimination half-life contributes to the low toxic potential of ibuprofen 1, 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not exceed 40 mg/kg/day - higher doses increase risk of adverse effects without additional benefit 1
- Avoid dosing more frequently than every 6 hours - this can lead to accumulation and toxicity 2
- Do not use household spoons - always use calibrated measuring devices for accurate dosing 5
- Monitor for dehydration - ensure adequate fluid intake, as dehydration can increase risk of renal effects 1