Episode #26: ibuprofen (Motrin) | Podcast Show Notes
ibuprofen (eye byoo PROE fen)
Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for ibuprofen along with a brief summary of various points on ibuprofen.Â
QUESTIONS:Â Â
- Which of the following dosing regimens for analgesia was appropriate for a 7 month old baby that weighs 15 pounds? Select all that apply.
- A). 20 mg po q6-8h. 3 doses were given in a 24 hour period.
- B). 40 mg po q6-8h. 3 doses were given in a 24 hour period.
- C). 60 mg po q6-8h. Max 4 doses per day.
- D). 80 mg po q6-8h. Max 4 doses per day.
- E). All of the above.
- T or F: Analgesic effects for ibuprofen are usually seen in 30-60 minutes.
- Select all that apply.
- A). Ibuprofen is seen as safe during pregnancy
- B). Ibuprofen is not safe during pregnancy
- C). Dosing near the lower range may be needed in the geriatric population
- D). No doses adjustments are needed in the geriatric population
- E). B and C
- T or F: Serious cardiovascular thrombic events are a concern in the geriatric population but not in patients <65 years of age.
SUMMARY:Â Â
Ibuprofen is a very well known medication available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription (Rx). The most common brand names are Advil and Motrin. Ibuprofen is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that is often used for it’s non-opioid analgesic effect as well as it’s antipyretic effect. The OTC product comes in a wide variety of dosage forms but generally limited to a 200 mg strength. Strengths higher than that are Rx only. When treating pain in adults a common dosing regimen is 200-800 mg po 3-4 times daily (q6-8h) with the max daily dose at 3200 mg per day. When treating pain and fever in children there are weight/age/dose charts but the common rule of thumb is 4-10 mg/kg/dose po q6-7h with a max daily dose of 4 doses per day. Most common side effects are GI bleeding, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Taking the medication with food will help avoid stomach upset and GI distress caused to the patient.
ANSWERS:
- B & C are the most correct. The dosing range is 4-10 mg/kg/dose po q6-8h. Max 4 doses per day. Convert 15 pounds to kg (15/2.2=6.8kg). The low end is 6.8kg(4mg/kg/dose)= 27 mg/dose and the high end is 6.8kg(10mg/kg/dose)=68 mg/dose.
- True. The analgesic effect is usually seen in 30-60 minutes and the antipyretic effect is seen in 1-2 hours.
- B, C, & E are correct.Â
- False. Serious cardiovascular thrombic events are part of a U.S. Boxed Warning for the general population, not limited to only the geriatric population.
PDF of Drug Card: ibuprofen
