Drug	Usual Dose for Adults and Children ≥50 kg Body Weight	Usual Dose for Adults and Childrenb <50 kg Body Weight
Orally Administered Acetaminophen and Over-the-counter NSAIDs
acetaminophenc	650 mg q 4 h	10–15 mg/kg q 4 h
	975 mg q 6 h	15–20 mg/kg q 4 h (rectal)
aspirind	650 mg q 4 h	10–15 mg/kg q 4 h
	975 mg q 6 h	15–20 mg/kg q 4 h (rectal)
ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)	400–600 mg q 6 h	5–10 mg/kg q 4–6 h
magnesium salicylate (Doan’s, Magan, Mobidin, others)	650 mg q 4 h
naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)	250–275 mg q 6–8 h	5 mg/kg q 8 h
naproxen sodium (Anaprox)	275 mg q 6–8 h
Prescription NSAIDs
carprofen (Rimadyl)	100 mg tid
choline magnesium trisalicylatee (Trilisate)	1,000–1,500 mg q 6–8 h	25 mg/kg q 6–8 h
choline salicylatee (Arthropan)	870 mg q 3–4 h
diflunisalf (Dolobid)	500 mg q 12 h
etodolac (Lodine)	200–400 mg q 6–8 h
fenoprofen calcium (Nalfon)	300–600 mg q 6 h
ketoprofen (Orudis)	25–60 mg q 6–8 h
ketorolac tromethamineg (Toradol)	10 mg q 4–6 h to a maximum of 40 mg/day
	IV administration should not exceed 5 days
meclofenamate sodiumh (Meclomen)	50–100 mg q 6 h
mefenamic acid (Ponstel)	250 mg q 6 h
sodium salicylate (Anacin, Bufferin)	325–650 mg q 3–4 h
Parenteral NSAIDs
ketorolac tromethamineg, i (Toradol)	60 mg initially, then 30 mg q 6 h
	IV administration should not exceed 5 days

IV = intravenous; q = every; tid = three times a day.

aOnly the NSAIDs listed here have FDA approval for use as simple analgesics, but clinical experience has also been gained with other drugs.

bAcetaminophen and NSAID dosages for adults weighing less than 50 kg should be adjusted for weight.

cAcetaminophen lacks the peripheral anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activities of the other NSAIDs.

dThe standard against which other NSAIDs are compared. May inhibit platelet aggregation for longer than 1 week and may cause bleeding. Aspirin is not recommended for pain in children.

eMay have minimal antiplatelet activity.

fAdministration with antacids may decrease absorption.

gUse limited to 5 days or fewer.

hCoombs-positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia has been associated with prolonged use.

iHas the same gastrointestinal toxic effects as oral NSAIDs.