Ibuprofen for children Ibuprofen is a common painkiller for children. It's often used to treat cold symptoms, teething and toothache. Ibuprofen also treats inflammation, such as aches and pains after an injury like a sprain, or because of a health problem like childhood arthritis. It can also be used to bring down a high temperature (fever). For children aged 3 months to 12 years, ibuprofen comes as a liquid syrup. For children aged 7 years or older, ibuprofen is available as tablets, capsules and granules that you dissolve in water to make a drink. You can buy most types of ibuprofen from pharmacies and supermarkets. Some types, such as ibuprofen granules, are only available on prescription. For over-17s, read our information on ibuprofen for adults. NHS coronavirus informationThe Commission on Human Medicines has now confirmed that there is no clear evidence that using ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as a high temperature can make coronavirus (COVID-19) worse. You can give paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat the symptoms of coronavirus. We recommend that you give paracetamol to your child first. It has fewer side effects than ibuprofen and is the safer choice for most people. Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine. Updated: 16 April 2020 Key facts
Children can take ibuprofen as:
Ibuprofen is not suitable for some children. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if your child:
ImportantDo not give ibuprofen for chickenpox unless it has been recommended by a doctor – it can cause a serious skin reaction. Ibuprofen is usually given to children 3 or 4 times a day. Your pharmacist or doctor will tell you how often to give it. If you're not sure how much to give a child, ask your pharmacist or doctor. If you give it:
Ibuprofen syrup dosages for children
Ibuprofen tablet dosages for children
If your child has pain all the time, your doctor may prescribe slow-release tablets or capsules. These are given once or twice a day. What if I forget to give it?Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for their next dose, skip the missed dose and give their next dose as the usual time. Never give a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. What if they take too much?ImportantIf you give your child 1 extra dose of ibuprofen by mistake, wait at least 12 hours before giving them any more. Get help from 111 now if:
They may need treatment. Online Go to 111.nhs.uk – for children aged 5 years and older Telephone If you need to take your child to hospital, take the ibuprofen packaging or leaflet plus any remaining medicine with you. It's best to give ibuprofen to children with food or milk so they do not get an upset tummy. SyrupShake the bottle well and measure out the right amount using a plastic syringe or spoon. These come in the medicine packet. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount. To hide the taste of the syrup, you can give the child a drink of milk or fruit juice straight after the medicine. But do not mix ibuprofen syrup with juice or milk as it may mean they do not get the right dose if they do not finish the drink. Tablets and capsulesTablets and capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or juice. Tell your child not to chew, break, crush or suck them as this could irritate their mouth or throat. Children taking chewable tablets should chew them before swallowing. GranulesSprinkle or stir the granules into a small amount of soft food (such as yoghurt) or a small drink, or you can mix them with a spoonful of cold water. Do not mix the granules with warm food or liquid. Your child should then swallow the food or drink it straight away without chewing. Make sure they take it all. Do not keep the granule/food mixture to give later. Paracetamol is the only safe painkiller to give children alongside ibuprofen. However, do not give ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time. You need to give these medicines 1 at a time (unless your child's doctor or nurse gives you different instructions). For high temperatureIf you've given your child ibuprofen and they still have a high temperature after 1 hour, you could try paracetamol instead. If this helps bring down their temperature, carry on giving them paracetamol only (following the instructions that come with the medicine). Call your doctor if you've tried both paracetamol and ibuprofen and they have not helped. Do not alternate between paracetamol and ibuprofen to treat a high temperature without advice from a doctor or nurse. Do not give more than the maximum daily dose of either medicine. For pain (including teething)If you've given your child ibuprofen and they're still in pain 2 hours later, you could try giving paracetamol as well. If this works, you can alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen, giving only 1 medicine at a time. Do not give more than the maximum daily dose of either medicine. See your doctor if you've tried alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen and they have not helped. Also see your doctor if you don’t know what is causing your child's pain. ImportantNever give aspirin to a child under the age of 16, unless their doctor prescribes it. Ibuprofen can cause side effects. To reduce the chance of side effects, give your child the lowest dose for the shortest time to control their symptoms. Common side effectsThe common side effects of ibuprofen, which happen in more than 1 in 100 children, are:
If these symptoms carry on or get worse, they may be signs of irritation of the gut or stomach. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother your child or do not go away. Serious side effectsContact a doctor straight away if your child:
Ibuprofen may make asthma worse in some children, but this is uncommon. Talk to your doctor if you're worried. Serious allergic reactionIn rare cases, it's possible for your child to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to ibuprofen. Call 999 or take your child to A&E if:
They could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital. These are not all the side effects of ibuprofen. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet. Ibuprofen does not mix well with some prescription medicines. Medicine safetyTell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking any other medicine, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. How does ibuprofen work? When will my child feel better? Is it safe to take long term? What if my child is sick (vomits)? Is paracetamol or ibuprofen better? Is there any food or drink they need to avoid? BestCareCompare | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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