From the Research
Ibuprofen is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age, but can be used safely in infants 6-12 months old under medical supervision, with a typical dosage of 5-10 mg per kilogram of body weight every 6-8 hours, not exceeding 40 mg/kg per day, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Considerations
- The safety and efficacy of ibuprofen in infants have been evaluated in several studies, with the most recent and highest quality study published in 2022 1 providing comprehensive guidance on the use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, in infants.
- According to this study, ibuprofen can be used safely in infants older than 3 months with a body weight above 5-6 kg, with special attention to hydration, and a dose of 5-10 mg/kg administered 3-4 times a day, resulting in a maximum total daily dose of 30-40 mg/kg.
- Another study published in 2017 2 also supports the safe use of ibuprofen in infants older than 3 months, with a dose of 5-10 mg/kg administered 3-4 times a day.
- However, a study published in 2018 3 found that gastrointestinal and renal adverse events were more common in infants younger than six months who were prescribed ibuprofen compared to those prescribed acetaminophen alone.
Dosage and Administration
- The typical dosage of ibuprofen for infants 6-12 months is 5-10 mg per kilogram of body weight every 6-8 hours, not exceeding 40 mg/kg per day.
- Parents should always use infant-specific formulations and follow the dosing instructions carefully using the provided measuring device.
- It's essential to consult a healthcare provider before giving ibuprofen to any infant, as they can recommend the appropriate dosage based on the child's exact weight and condition.
Important Precautions
- Ibuprofen can mask fever, which is an important diagnostic sign in very young infants.
- Always use ibuprofen only when necessary for fever over 102°F or significant discomfort, and never for more than 3 days without medical consultation.
- Ibuprofen works by blocking enzymes that produce prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and pain, but its use in infants under 6 months is not recommended due to the potential risk of adverse effects on the developing kidneys and liver.