Pain Relief

Ibuprofen Use in Kids: A Guide for Parents

Ibuprofen is a helpful medication for adults, and for kids too! It's effective and generally considered safe. In addition to acetaminophen, I consider ibuprofen a staple in your sickness warrior stockpile. It's a common over-the-counter medication that can help manage pain and reduce fever in children. Knowing how and when to use ibuprofen will help you on those yucky sick days. This blog will provide information on using ibuprofen safely and effectively for your child so you can help them feel better faster.

What is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals in the body.

Ibuprofen is also known by the trade names Motrin®, Aleve®, or Advil®. Pro tip: Be cautious when buying a brand-name product for your child. Make sure the active ingredient is ibuprofen, not aspirin! Kids can't have aspirin, but unfortunately, drug manufacturers sometimes label different ingredients under their recognized trade names.

For children and teens, ibuprofen is commonly used to treat:

Fever
Headaches
Toothaches
Earaches
Minor injuries
Swelling or inflammation
Menstrual cramps

It's also common for doctors to recommend alternating between ibuprofen and acetaminophen for stubborn fevers or nasty flu and viruses. Read more about that here: (insert link)

Dosage and Administration

The correct dosage of ibuprofen for children depends on their weight and age. Always follow the instructions on the product label or your healthcare provider's recommendations.

A special note of caution: Two different concentrations of ibuprofen liquid are available: infant drops and children's liquid. These two products have different milligram (mg) amounts per milliliter (mL), meaning that the same volume of liquid would give you a different dose if you used the two different products.

The take-home message? Always read the bottle label in hand to be sure you're giving the right amount. I advise folks never to keep two different strengths in your home at the same time. It's a mix-up waiting to happen!

Ibuprofen can be given every 6 to 8 hours as needed, but no more than four doses in 24 hours. Do not use ibuprofen in babies under 6 months of age unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

Important Considerations:

Use the measuring device provided with the medication for accurate dosing.
- Oral syringes with markings in milliliters or mL are best.

Ask your pharmacist for extra oral syringes.

Never use a kitchen spoon or other household measuring device, as it can lead to inaccurate dosing.
Ibuprofen can be given with or without food, but giving it with food may help prevent stomach upset. I try to time ibuprofen doses for meals.

Safety Precautions

While ibuprofen is generally safe when used as directed, there are some important precautions to keep in mind:

Age Restrictions: Ibuprofen is not recommended for infants under 6 months old without consulting a healthcare provider.

Existing Health Conditions: Consult your child's doctor before using ibuprofen if your child has:

Asthma
Bleeding disorders
Stomach problems
Kidney disease
Heart disease

Allergies: Do not give ibuprofen to a child who is allergic to NSAIDs or has had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen in the past.

Interactions: Ibuprofen can interact with certain medications. Inform your child's doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements your child takes. Double-check with your pharmacist, too!

Potential Side Effects

While most children tolerate ibuprofen well, some may experience side effects. Common side effects include:

Upset stomach
Nausea
Diarrhea
Dizziness

Serious side effects are rare but can include:

Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
Stomach bleeding
Kidney problems

If you notice any unusual symptoms or side effects, discontinue use and contact your child's healthcare provider immediately. Any allergic reaction that causes trouble breathing or swelling is a medical emergency.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While ibuprofen can be effective for many common childhood illnesses, there are situations where you should seek medical attention:

Fever lasting more than 3 days
Pain persisting for more than 10 days
Symptoms worsening or new symptoms appearing
Signs of an allergic reaction
Severe stomach pain or vomiting

Tips for Safe Use

To ensure the safe and effective use of ibuprofen:

Read the label carefully: Always check the concentration and follow the package's dosing instructions.
Use the correct formulation: Choose the appropriate product for your child's age (infant drops, children's liquid, chewable tablets, etc.).
If using a liquid, shake the product well before administration.
Don't exceed recommended doses: Giving more than recommended can lead to serious side effects.
Keep track of doses: Note the time and amount of each dose to avoid accidental overdose. I like to write down the times that my children receive a dose of medication. It is easy to forget when you are tired or sick! Try our medication tracker to keep things straight.
Store safely: Keep all medications out of reach of children and in their original containers. Place the medicine in a locked, childproof box and store it in a place inaccessible to children.
Check expiration dates: Don't use expired medication.
Avoid long-term use: Unless directed by a healthcare provider, ibuprofen should not be used for extended periods. If your child needs ibuprofen for more than a couple of days, reach out to your physician for guidance.

Alternatives to Ibuprofen

Sometimes, ibuprofen is really helpful, especially in cases of inflammation. However, parents may want to limit use or avoid the medication altogether. Other things to consider?

Acetaminophen: Another over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer that works differently from ibuprofen. See our blog post about alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Non-medication approaches: For mild discomfort, consider rest, cool compresses, or other comfort measures. Remember the acronym RICE? Rest, ice, compression, and elevation may work for mild to moderate injuries.

Always consult your child's healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach for your child's specific situation. Pediatricians should evaluate children with moderate to severe pain.

Conclusion

When used appropriately, ibuprofen can be a safe and effective medication for managing pain and fever in children. By following dosing instructions, being aware of potential risks and side effects, and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can help ensure your child's comfort and well-being.

References

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024). Ibuprofen. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=faebc392-0fd9-4c71-8471-beba10dda022
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Ibuprofen dosage table for fever and pain. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Ibuprofen-for-Fever-and-Pain.aspx

This article has been reviewed by Andrea Morrissey, PharmD, Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist, and Chief Content Officer of Kids Med Guide. The content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical guidance, and call 911 in an emergency.

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