Ibuprofen Dosing for a 49-Pound Child
For a 49-pound (22.2 kg) child, administer ibuprofen 220 mg per dose, given every 6-8 hours as needed, with a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours. 1
Weight-Based Calculation
- The standard pediatric dose is 10 mg/kg per dose 1, 2
- For a 49-pound child (22.2 kg): 22.2 kg × 10 mg/kg = 222 mg per dose 1, 2
- Round to a practical 200-220 mg per dose depending on available formulation strengths 2
- This child weighs less than 40 kg, so weight-based pediatric dosing applies rather than adult dosing 1, 2
Dosing Schedule and Maximum Limits
- Administer every 6-8 hours (not more frequently than every 6 hours) 1
- Maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours 2
- Maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg/kg/day (approximately 888 mg/day for this child) 2
- The dosing interval for ibuprofen is longer than acetaminophen (every 6-8 hours versus every 4-6 hours) 1
Practical Administration Considerations
- Liquid formulations are preferred for children under 40 kg to ensure accurate weight-based dosing 2
- Ibuprofen is generally not recommended for infants under 6 months 1
- For children 3-6 months, short-term use is considered safe only if body weight is above 5-6 kg with special attention to hydration 3
Critical Safety Warnings
- Do not combine ibuprofen with other NSAID medications without dose adjustment 2
- Be aware of "hidden sources" of NSAIDs in combination over-the-counter medications 2
- If the child is taking low-dose aspirin (such as in Kawasaki disease), ibuprofen must be avoided as it antagonizes aspirin's antiplatelet effects 2
- Ensure adequate hydration, especially in young children 3