From the Research
Ibuprofen is generally safe for children 6 months of age and older when used as directed, but for infants younger than 6 months, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before giving ibuprofen, as the safest age for its use in this group is considered to be older than 3 months with a body weight above 5-6 kg 1.
Key Considerations
- The appropriate dosage depends on the child's weight rather than age, typically 5-10 mg per kilogram of body weight every 6-8 hours, not exceeding 40 mg/kg per day.
- It is crucial to use the measuring device provided with children's ibuprofen formulations to ensure accurate dosing.
- Ibuprofen should be given with food to minimize stomach upset.
- Parents should avoid giving ibuprofen for more than 3 days for fever or 5 days for pain without consulting a healthcare provider.
Special Precautions
- Children with certain conditions, including kidney disease, heart problems, asthma, or allergies to NSAIDs, should not take ibuprofen.
- Ibuprofen should not be given to children with chickenpox or flu-like symptoms due to the rare risk of Reye's syndrome.
- The concomitant use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen in children might be associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury 2.
Evidence Summary
The safety and efficacy of ibuprofen in infants, especially those between 3 and 6 months of age, have been assessed in several studies. A study published in 2017 found that short-term use of ibuprofen is considered safe in infants older than 3 months of age with a body weight above 5-6 kg when special attention is given to the hydration of the patient 1. Another study from 2018 suggested that ibuprofen is associated with more adverse effects than acetaminophen in infants younger than six months, particularly gastrointestinal adverse events 3. However, the most recent and highest quality evidence should guide clinical decision-making, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the child.