Ibuprofen Use in Young Children
Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain and reduce fever and inflammation. If your child is allergic to aspirin, do not give him or her ibuprofen.
Be sure to follow these medicine precautions:
- Follow all instructions on the label. If you give medicine to your baby, follow your doctor's advice about what amount to give.
- For children younger than 6 months of age, follow what your doctor has told you about the amount to give.
- Ibuprofen comes in liquid, tablets, caplets, or concentrated drops. Read and follow all the instructions on the medicine bottle and box carefully before giving your child any medicine. There are different products and strengths for infants and children. The correct dose and timing of the dose are important for the medicine to work well.
- Do not alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen because of the possible risk of overdose. Studies have not shown any more benefit from alternating these medicines.
- If you are giving your child ibuprofen for fever or pain, don't also give your child a cold or flu medicine that contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Your child could get too much medicine.
Side effects of ibuprofen are usually mild. Stomach upset or discomfort is the most common side effect. If the medicine upsets your child's stomach, you can try giving it to your child with food. But if that doesn't help, talk with your doctor to make sure it's not a more serious problem.
Do not give your child ibuprofen if he or she has any of the following:
- History of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Kidney or liver disease
- Allergic reactions to aspirin or related drugs
- Blood-clotting defect
Do not give your child ibuprofen if he or she is taking any of the following medicines:
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
- Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger
- Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
- Coughs, Age 11 and Younger
- Fever or Chills, Age 11 and Younger
- Rash, Age 11 and Younger
- Crying, Age 3 and Younger
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Ibuprofen Use in Young Children
- Hip Problems, Age 11 and Younger
- Fifth Disease
- Hip Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
Current as ofApril 18, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine