Onset of Action of Infant Ibuprofen
Infant ibuprofen begins to reduce fever within 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration, with maximum temperature reduction occurring at 3-4 hours post-dose. 1, 2
Timing of Therapeutic Effect
Peak antipyretic effect occurs 3-4 hours after administration, which is when you can expect the greatest reduction in body temperature 1, 2
The initial temperature reduction begins within the first hour, though this is not yet the maximum effect 2
The duration of fever control typically lasts 6-8 hours, with the 10 mg/kg dose providing longer-lasting effects than the 5 mg/kg dose 2
Dosing Considerations for Optimal Effect
The effective dose range is 5-10 mg/kg per dose, with 7.5-10 mg/kg showing optimal clinical efficacy 1
Higher doses (10 mg/kg) provide significantly better temperature control between 4-8 hours compared to lower doses (5 mg/kg) 2
This dose can be repeated every 6-8 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 30-40 mg/kg divided into 3-4 doses 3
Age and Safety Parameters
Ibuprofen is considered safe for short-term use in infants older than 3 months of age with body weight above 5-6 kg, provided attention is given to adequate hydration 3
The oral route is preferred over rectal administration, as rectal absorption is erratic and less reliable, especially in young infants 3
Important Clinical Caveats
Avoid ibuprofen in infants taking aspirin for antiplatelet effects (such as in Kawasaki disease), as ibuprofen antagonizes aspirin's irreversible platelet inhibition 4
Parents should be educated on proper weight-based dosing to avoid overdose errors, which represent the main risk in pediatric NSAID use 4
Ensure adequate hydration status before and during ibuprofen administration in infants 3
The pharmacokinetic profile in children is similar to adults, with a linear dose-response relationship over the 5-10 mg/kg range 1