Ibuprofen Dosing for a 10-Year-Old Weighing 17.1 kg
For this 10-year-old child weighing 17.1 kg, the recommended dose of Brufen (ibuprofen) syrup is 5-10 mg/kg per dose, given every 6-8 hours as needed, which translates to approximately 85-170 mg per dose (not to exceed 40 mg/kg/day or 400 mg per dose). 1
Weight-Based Dosing Calculation
- For a child weighing 17.1 kg, the standard pediatric dosing is 5-10 mg/kg per dose 1
- At 5 mg/kg: 17.1 kg × 5 mg/kg = 85.5 mg per dose
- At 10 mg/kg: 17.1 kg × 10 mg/kg = 171 mg per dose
- The typical starting dose would be 85-100 mg per dose, with a maximum of 170 mg per dose 1
Maximum Daily Dose Considerations
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg/kg/day 1
- For this 17.1 kg child: 17.1 kg × 40 mg/kg = 684 mg maximum per day
- Divided into 3-4 doses throughout the day (every 6-8 hours), this allows approximately 170-230 mg per dose 1
Practical Syrup Administration
If using standard ibuprofen syrup (100 mg/5 mL concentration):
- For 85 mg dose: give 4.25 mL (approximately 4 mL)
- For 100 mg dose: give 5 mL
- For 170 mg dose: give 8.5 mL 1
Administer with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset 1
Dosing interval should be every 6-8 hours as needed, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours 1
Critical Safety Considerations
- This child's weight (17.1 kg) is significantly below the expected weight for a 10-year-old, suggesting possible malnutrition, chronic illness, or growth concerns 1
- Always use weight-based dosing rather than age-based dosing in underweight children 1
- Monitor for signs of dehydration, as ibuprofen can affect renal function, particularly in volume-depleted states 1
- Avoid use if the child has active gastrointestinal bleeding, severe renal impairment, or known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs 1