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Peds Calc

Parent Guide

Ibuprofen AdministrationSafe & Effective Dosing for Children

Practical guidance for giving ibuprofen safely to children.

Quality Score: 9/10
3 Clinical Sources
Back to Ibuprofen Overview

Available Forms & Concentrations

oral suspension Form

≥6 months

100 mg/5 mL

Advantages

  • Easy to measure
  • Standard concentration

chewable tablets Form

Children who can safely chew

100 mg

Advantages

  • No measuring
  • Portable

Step-by-Step Preparation

1

Shake suspension well

Ensures even distribution

2

Measure accurately

Use oral syringe or dosing cup; check at eye level

3

Administer and observe

Watch for swallowing; offer water or milk after

Age-Specific Administration Techniques

toddlers

Method & Positioning

Method: Small sips with oral syringe

Positioning: Upright, supported in caregiver’s lap

Success Tips
  • Give slowly inside the cheek
  • Offer a chaser of water or milk
Common Challenges
  • Refusal due to taste
Success Strategies
  • Chill the suspension slightly
  • Use calm, consistent routine

school_ages

Method & Positioning

Method: Chewable tablet or measured suspension

Positioning: Upright

Success Tips
  • Let child choose flavor/form if available
  • Rinse mouth after dose
Common Challenges
  • Forgetting doses
Success Strategies
  • Use a dosing log or phone reminder

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Child vomits soon after the dose

Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists

Solutions to Try

  • If vomiting occurs within 15 minutes, consider repeating the dose once
  • If persistent vomiting, hold further doses and focus on hydration

Prevention Tips

  • Give small sips before and after dose
  • Dose with food if stomach upset

Stomach upset or abdominal pain

Solutions to Try

  • Give with food or milk
  • Consider acetaminophen instead if symptoms persist

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid empty stomach dosing
  • Use lowest effective dose

Taste refusal

Solutions to Try

  • Use a flavored pharmacy add‑in if available
  • Chill the medicine and use a straw for older kids

Prevention Tips

  • Offer a small chaser of preferred drink
  • Avoid mixing into large volumes of fluid

Safety & Storage Guidelines

Storage Requirements

Temperature: Room temperature (20–25°C); protect from freezing

Stability: Stable until labeled expiration date

Location Tips

  • Store out of reach of children
  • Keep in original bottle with child‑resistant cap
  • Avoid hot cars and bathrooms with high humidity

Clinical Insights

Hold ibuprofen during vomiting or poor intake to reduce AKI risk

Evidence: moderateSource: NHS guidance

Avoid duplicate NSAIDs—check OTC labels for hidden ibuprofen/naproxen

Evidence: moderateSource: MedlinePlus

Give with food for children prone to stomach upset

Evidence: expert opinionSource: Medicines for Children

You're Doing Great

Use the lowest effective dose, avoid duplicate NSAIDs, and keep your child well hydrated.

Clinical References

Ibuprofen for pain and fever in children•Medicines for Children (2024)guideline
Ibuprofen – pediatric use•NHS (2024)guideline
Ibuprofen – Drug Information•MedlinePlus (2024)expert consensus