Ibuprofen Dosing for a 9-Year-Old
For a 9-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 2400 mg daily, whichever is lower. 1
Weight-Based Dosing Algorithm
The dosing should be calculated based on the child's actual body weight:
- Standard dose: 10 mg/kg per dose 1, 2
- Dosing interval: Every 6-8 hours (maximum 3-4 times daily) 2
- Maximum daily dose: 40 mg/kg/day 1, 2
Practical Weight-Based Examples
For a typical 9-year-old:
- If weight is 23-40 kg (51-88 lbs): Give 230-400 mg per dose
- If weight is >40 kg (>88 lbs): Use adult dosing of 400-600 mg per dose, maximum 600 mg per dose 1
Important Clinical Considerations
Timing of effect: Maximum fever reduction occurs 3-4 hours after administration 3. This is important for counseling parents about when to expect symptom relief.
Duration of therapy: Ibuprofen is approved and safe for short-term use in this age group 2. For fever or acute pain, treatment typically lasts 2-3 days.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not exceed maximum daily dose: The 40 mg/kg/day limit is critical—exceeding this increases risk of adverse effects without additional benefit 1, 2
- Ensure adequate hydration: Special attention must be given to the child's hydration status, as dehydration increases risk of renal adverse effects 2
- Avoid rectal route: Rectal administration has erratic absorption, especially in younger children, and should be avoided in favor of oral dosing 2
Safety Profile in This Age Group
Ibuprofen has an excellent safety profile in children aged 6 months and older when dosed appropriately 2, 3. The drug is better tolerated by children than adults and is safer in overdose than acetaminophen or aspirin 3. At the recommended doses for pediatric use, serious gastrointestinal, renal, or cardiovascular events are rare 4.
Comparative Effectiveness
Ibuprofen has been shown to be equally effective or more effective than acetaminophen (paracetamol) as an antipyretic and analgesic, with a longer duration of action 3, 5. In controlled trials, ibuprofen provides approximately 2.5-4.4 additional hours without fever compared to acetaminophen alone 5.