Ibuprofen Dosing for a 50.8-Pound (23 kg) Pediatric Patient
For a pediatric patient weighing 23 kg (50.8 lb), administer ibuprofen 230 mg per dose, which can be practically rounded to 200–250 mg depending on available formulations (tablets or suspension). 1
Weight-Based Calculation
- The standard pediatric dose is 10 mg/kg per dose 1
- For a 23 kg patient: 23 kg × 10 mg/kg = 230 mg per dose 1
- This patient falls into the weight category of >23 kg to ≤40 kg, where weight-based calculation of 10 mg/kg remains the most accurate approach 1
Dosing Schedule and Maximum Limits
- Administer every 8 hours (three times daily) with a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours 1
- The maximum daily dose is 40 mg/kg/day, which equals approximately 920 mg/day for this 23 kg patient 1
- Each individual dose of 230 mg is well below the single-dose ceiling and within safe therapeutic range 1
Practical Administration Considerations
- Round to available formulations: 200 mg tablets or appropriate volume of oral suspension (typically 100 mg/5 mL concentration) 1
- For 230 mg using 100 mg/5 mL suspension: administer approximately 11.5 mL per dose
- Alternatively, use one 200 mg tablet plus additional suspension to reach 230 mg, or round to 200–250 mg based on clinical judgment and available strengths 1
Route of Administration
- Oral administration is preferred for routine outpatient pain or fever management 1
- Intravenous ibuprofen is reserved for postoperative or inpatient settings and is not indicated for routine outpatient use 1
Critical Safety Considerations
- Do not combine with other NSAID medications without dose adjustment 1
- Be aware of "hidden sources" of NSAIDs in combination over-the-counter medications (e.g., cold/flu preparations) 1
- At this weight-based dose (10 mg/kg), ibuprofen has a favorable safety profile with low risk of serious gastrointestinal, renal, or cardiovascular events 2, 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not use adult fixed doses for pediatric patients under 40 kg—always calculate based on actual body weight 1
- Do not round up to the next weight category prematurely—a 23 kg patient should receive 230 mg (10 mg/kg), not a higher fixed dose 1
- Ensure caregivers use calibrated measuring devices for liquid formulations to avoid dosing errors 1