Maximum Dose Supply of Diclofenac for a 22 kg Child
For a 22 kg child, the maximum daily dose of diclofenac is 110 mg per day (calculated as 5 mg/kg/day), which should not exceed 150 mg per day regardless of weight.
Weight-Based Dosing Calculation
- The standard pediatric dosing for diclofenac is 1 mg/kg per dose, administered every 8 hours, which translates to approximately 3 mg/kg per day for routine use 1
- However, the maximum safe daily dose is 5 mg/kg/day, which for a 22 kg child equals 110 mg per day 1
- This maximum should be divided into doses given every 8 hours (approximately 36-37 mg per dose, three times daily) 1
Important Safety Considerations
The absolute maximum daily dose for any child should not exceed 150 mg per day, regardless of calculated weight-based dosing 1. This serves as a safety ceiling even for heavier children.
Key Clinical Caveats
- Diclofenac is currently licensed only for children over 1 year of age, primarily for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis 1
- Most pediatric use of diclofenac for acute pain is off-label, as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data are limited in children 1
- The dosing intervals and amounts in children are extrapolated from adult studies rather than pediatric-specific research 1
Route of Administration
- Oral route is preferred and most commonly used (81% of practitioners) 1
- Rectal route is also commonly employed (80% of practitioners) but may have more erratic absorption 1
- Intravenous administration is rarely used in pediatric settings (only 9% of practitioners) 1
Duration Considerations
For acute pain management with NSAIDs like diclofenac, a maximum treatment duration of 5 days for pain is recommended in over-the-counter contexts, though this specific guidance comes from adult studies 2. Longer durations require closer monitoring for adverse effects.