Ibuprofen for children

What ibuprofen is for

Ibuprofen is a type of painkiller called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can help with lots of types of pain, including:

• pain after an injury
• swelling (inflammation)
• earache
• teething pain
• sore throat
• cold and flu symptoms

Ibuprofen can also help if your child is distressed or uncomfortable because they have a high temperature (fever).

Information

Ibuprofen can cause more side effects than paracetamol. If your child can take paracetamol, it's a good idea to try it before taking ibuprofen.

How to give ibuprofen and how much to give (dose)

There are several types of ibuprofen for children, including:

• liquid (also called oral suspension)
• tablets and capsules
• granules you mix with water

How you give it and how much to give depends on the type of ibuprofen, your child's age and sometimes their weight.

Only give your child as much medicine as they need to ease their symptoms and stop using it when it's no longer needed.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist, doctor or nurse at your GP surgery for advice if you're not sure how to use it or your child has problems taking it.

If a doctor prescribes ibuprofen for your child, follow the advice they give you about how to use it and how much to use.

How to give common types of ibuprofen for children

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If your child becomes ill with vomiting, diarrhoea or a high temperature (fever) when taking ibuprofen, there's a risk they'll get dehydrated.

Talk to a pharmacist or doctor for advice or follow the advice they've already given you.

Important

For babies aged 3 to 6 months, do not give this medicine for more than 24 hours without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.

For children aged 6 months or older, do not give this medicine for more than 3 days without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.

If you forget to give your child a dose of ibuprofen

If you forget to give your child a dose, give it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for the next dose.

If it's nearly time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the next dose at the usual time.

Do not give your child 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If your child has had too much ibuprofen

If your child has had an extra dose of ibuprofen, it's important to get medical advice because it can sometimes be dangerous.

Call NHS 111 if:

• you've given your child more ibuprofen than it says on the packet, leaflet or prescription

Information

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the ibuprofen packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines your child takes.

Side effects of ibuprofen

Like all medicines, ibuprofen can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

• symptoms of indigestion such as burping and farting
• stomach ache
• feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
• headache
• dizziness
• diarrhoea or constipation
• a rash

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if:

• your child has any side effects that bother them or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how to reduce any side effects.

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Serious side effects

Rarely, ibuprofen can cause serious side effects.

Serious side effects in children can include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised and itchy rash, and difficulty breathing
• stomach ulcers or bleeding inside your stomach – causing symptoms such as bad stomach pain, vomiting blood, blood in poo, or poo that's black and sticky
• inflammation in the brain – causing symptoms such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, a high temperature or feeling confused
• kidney or liver problems – causing yellowing of the eyes, pale stools and dark urine

Call 999 if:

• you've given your child ibuprofen and think they might be having anaphylaxis, stomach ulcers, or inflammation in the brain

If you think your child is having any other serious side effects, call NHS 111.

Information

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of ibuprofen.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website.

Who can and cannot take ibuprofen

Most children over 3 months old can take ibuprofen.

But ibuprofen is not suitable for all children. For example, it may not be suitable if your child:

• has had an allergic reaction or serious side effect to ibuprofen or another type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) before such as naproxen
• has a kidney or liver condition
• has asthma
• has an infection such as chickenpox or pneumonia

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine to see if it's suitable for your child. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure they should take it.

Giving ibuprofen with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with ibuprofen.

This includes:

• other medicines with ibuprofen in them and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, diclofenac and naproxen
• some types of steroid medicine, such as prednisolone, or beclomethasone
• some types of antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for your child. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if they can take it.

Giving ibuprofen with paracetamol

If you've been giving your child ibuprofen but it's not helping their symptoms, you can try giving them paracetamol for children as well, if it's suitable for your child.

Do not give ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time. But you can alternate between them if a health professional such as a doctor or nurse tells you to.

If a health professional advises you to do this, it can help to write down when you gave each medicine to make sure the doses are spaced evenly and to avoid giving too much.

Paracetamol can be given up to 4 times in 24 hours, depending on your child's age and dose. Check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine.

Food and drink with ibuprofen

Your child can eat and drink normally when taking ibuprofen.