From the Guidelines
Ibuprofen can be safely used to treat fever and pain in children aged 6 months and older, with a recommended 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 evidence from 1.
Key Considerations
- Ibuprofen is often preferred for fever reduction as its effects typically last longer than acetaminophen (6-8 hours versus 4-6 hours) 1.
- Ibuprofen should be given with food to minimize stomach upset, and children should stay well-hydrated while taking it.
- Avoid ibuprofen if your child has kidney disease, certain bleeding disorders, heart conditions, or is dehydrated.
- Contact a healthcare provider if the fever persists beyond three days, if pain doesn't improve, or if new symptoms develop while using the medication.
Important Notes
- The evidence base for medication therapy in children and adolescents is confounded by a high placebo response in clinical trials, which may affect the apparent therapeutic gain of ibuprofen 1.
- Ibuprofen can be used safely after surgery, and pain medication should be given on a regular schedule 1.
- Nonpharmacologic interventions, such as distraction and emotional support, can supplement and not replace pharmacologic agents for posttonsillectomy pain management 1.
Dosage and Administration
- For children, ibuprofen is typically available as a liquid suspension (100 mg/5 mL) or chewable tablets.
- Always use the measuring device provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing.
- Ibuprofen works by inhibiting prostaglandin production, which helps reduce inflammation, pain, and fever.
Potential Interactions and Contraindications
- Ibuprofen should be avoided in children taking aspirin because it may antagonize the antiplatelet effect of aspirin 1.
- Reye’s syndrome is a risk for patients taking high-dose aspirin during influenza or varicella, and ibuprofen may increase this risk 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of ibuprofen tablets in pediatric patients have not been established
The safety and effectiveness of ibuprofen in pediatric patients have not been established. Therefore, it is not recommended to use ibuprofen in kids without consulting a doctor, as there is no direct information in the drug label that supports its use in children 2.
From the Research
Ibuprofen Use in Children
- Ibuprofen can be used to treat fever or pain in children, but its use should be guided by specific dosing recommendations and precautions 3, 4, 5.
- The safety and efficacy of ibuprofen in children have been established, but its use should be monitored closely, especially in infants and young children 3, 4.
- The recommended dose of ibuprofen for children is 5-10 mg/kg, administered 3-4 times a day, with a maximum total daily dose of 30-40 mg/kg 3, 4.
Precautions and Contraindications
- Ibuprofen should not be given to children with certain medical conditions, such as dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, or asthma 5.
- It is also contraindicated in neonates and children with a history of sensitivity to ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 5.
- Parents and caregivers should be aware of the potential risks of ibuprofen use in children, including gastrointestinal events and renal damage, and take steps to minimize these risks 5.
Comparison with Other Antipyretics
- Ibuprofen has been shown to be effective in reducing fever and relieving pain in children, and its efficacy is comparable to that of paracetamol (acetaminophen) 4, 6, 7.
- The use of ibuprofen in combination with paracetamol may be more effective than using either medication alone, but it also increases the risk of adverse effects and overdose 7.
Guidance for Parents and Caregivers
- Parents and caregivers should consult with a healthcare professional before giving ibuprofen to a child, especially if the child has a medical condition or is taking other medications 3, 4, 5.
- They should also follow the recommended dosing instructions and monitor the child's response to the medication closely 3, 4, 5.