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Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for fever and mild to moderate pain in children when dosed by weight.
Weight-based dosing: 10 mg/kg/dose every 6–8 hours (max 40 mg/kg/day)
Per‑dose cap commonly 400 mg in outpatient pediatric settings
Give with food or milk if stomach upset occurs; maintain hydration
Avoid in dehydration, active GI bleeding, or known NSAID allergy
Under 6 months: use only if specifically directed by a clinician
Evidence-based pediatric use cases for ibuprofen, with practical notes for families.
Ibuprofen provides antipyretic and analgesic effects in children. It is first-line for fever and common painful conditions when hydration is adequate and no contraindications exist.
| Condition | Age Range | First Line? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Children and adolescents | Yes | Antipyretic when dosed by weight and intervals are observed. |
| Mild to moderate pain | Children and adolescents | Yes | Musculoskeletal pain, dental pain, headache, and minor injuries. |
FDA-approved primary uses with Level A evidence
Quick selection guides and diagnostic pearls
When to consider other medications
How to explain treatment to families
Ibuprofen is generally safe in pediatrics when dosed by weight. The most common issues are gastrointestinal upset and, less commonly, gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney effects—particularly with dehydration or interacting medicines. Using the lowest effective dose, maintaining hydration, and avoiding duplicate NSAIDs help reduce risk.
Key pediatric concerns include GI upset, bleeding risk with certain co-medications, and renal perfusion effects when dehydrated. Simple counseling and vigilance for red flags keep use safe.
Dyspepsia, Nausea, Abdominal Pain
Common • Mild
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Uncommon • Potentially serious
Reduced renal perfusion/AKI
Rare • Serious when dehydrated
Allergic or cross-reactive reactions
Uncommon • Variable
Organized by affected organ systems
How to discuss side effects with families
Management protocols and monitoring
Common concerns and practical guidance
Practical guidance for giving ibuprofen safely to children.
Shake the suspension well. Measure doses with an oral syringe or dosing cup. Give with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
Keep a dosing log, maintain hydration (especially during illness), and avoid combining with other NSAIDs.
Emergency contact: Contact your pediatrician for persistent fever >3 days, severe pain, signs of dehydration, or black/tarry stools.
You're doing great—if anything concerns you, call your care team.
Different formulations and concentrations
Safe preparation and measuring techniques
Tailored approaches for different ages
Solutions for common challenges
Storage guidelines and safety tips
Expert pearls and evidence-based tips
Understanding how ibuprofen works helps guide safe, effective use in children.
By inhibiting COX enzymes, ibuprofen lowers prostaglandin levels involved in pain and fever pathways. The analgesic and antipyretic effects begin within 30–60 minutes and persist 6–8 hours.
Simple explanations and helpful analogies
Receptors, enzymes, and cellular targets
Absorption, metabolism, and elimination
Age-related differences and special populations
Clinical pearls to optimize ibuprofen safety and efficacy in children.
If your child isn’t drinking and keeps vomiting, pause ibuprofen
Hold ibuprofen during vomiting or poor intake to reduce AKI risk; resume once hydrated
Use only one ibuprofen‑type medicine at a time
Avoid using multiple NSAIDs; duplicate therapy increases toxicity without added benefit
Food can make ibuprofen easier on the stomach
Give with food or milk to reduce dyspepsia; monitor high‑risk patients for GI bleeding signs
Core insights every provider should know
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Recent updates that change how we practice
Organized by dosing, administration, and safety
How to explain treatments to families
Real-world cases with evidence-based approaches
Key numbers, algorithms, and decision tools
Understanding your child's medication is important. We've created comprehensive guides to help you safely administer Ibuprofen and monitor your child's response to treatment.
Every 6–8 hours as directed. Do not exceed 40 mg/kg/day or the OTC maximum daily dose for age/weight.
Yes, if your child has stomach upset. Taking with food or milk can improve comfort.
Ask your provider. Alternating can help some children, but it increases complexity and risk of dosing errors.
Avoid unless specifically directed by a clinician.
Black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, signs of dehydration, or fever lasting >3 days.