Ibuprofen Dosing for a 102-lb Patient
For a patient weighing 102 lbs (46 kg), administer 400–500 mg of ibuprofen per dose, given every 8 hours, with a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours. 1
Weight-Based Calculation
- The standard pediatric dose is 10 mg/kg per dose, which equals 460 mg for this 46-kg patient 1, 2
- Since this patient weighs more than 40 kg (88 lbs), adult dosing guidelines apply 2, 3
- Round the calculated 460 mg to a practical tablet strength of 400–500 mg per dose 1
Dosing Schedule and Maximum Limits
- Administer every 8 hours (three times daily) with a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours 1, 2
- The maximum daily dose is 40 mg/kg/day, which equals approximately 1,840 mg/day for this patient 1
- For patients in this weight range, the single-dose ceiling is typically 600 mg; the calculated 460 mg dose is safely below this threshold 1
- The FDA-approved maximum total daily dose for adults is 3,200 mg, though most patients respond adequately to lower doses 3
Route of Administration
- Oral administration is the preferred route for routine outpatient care 1
- Administer with meals or milk if gastrointestinal complaints occur 3
Critical Safety Considerations
- Monitor for gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and rash 2
- Use with caution in patients with peptic ulcer disease, renal impairment, cardiovascular disease, or bleeding disorders 2
- Avoid combining with other NSAIDs (such as ketorolac/Toradol) due to additive toxicity risks without additional analgesic benefit 4
- Be aware of "hidden sources" of NSAIDs in combination over-the-counter medications 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dose of 40 mg/kg/day (approximately 1,840 mg for this patient) 1
- Avoid concurrent use with other NSAIDs or acetaminophen-containing products without dose adjustment 2
- Ensure adequate hydration, as short-term ibuprofen use is safe when special attention is given to patient hydration 5