Ibuprofen children's dose
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Ibuprofen Children's Dose: Efficacy and Safety
Introduction to Ibuprofen for Children
Ibuprofen is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for managing pain and fever in children. It is available over-the-counter in many countries and is preferred due to its efficacy and safety profile compared to other medications like acetaminophen and aspirin1 2 10.
Recommended Dosage for Children
Dosage Based on Body Weight
For children, ibuprofen should be prescribed based on body weight. The recommended dose is 5-10 mg/kg, which can be administered 3-4 times a day. This results in a maximum total daily dose of 30-40 mg/kg1 2. This dosage is considered safe for short-term use in infants older than 3 months with a body weight above 5-6 kg, provided that proper hydration is maintained1 2.
Administration Routes
The oral route is preferred for administering ibuprofen to children due to its reliable absorption. The rectal route is less reliable because of erratic absorption, especially in young infants1 2.
Efficacy of Ibuprofen in Children
Fever Management
Ibuprofen is effective in reducing fever in children. Studies have shown that ibuprofen, at a dose of 10 mg/kg, is more effective than acetaminophen (10-15 mg/kg) in reducing fever over a longer duration3 4 5. The time to maximum temperature decrease is longer for ibuprofen (183 minutes) compared to acetaminophen (133 minutes), but ibuprofen maintains a more prolonged antipyretic effect3.
Pain Management
For pain relief, ibuprofen has been found to be more effective than acetaminophen and codeine in children with acute musculoskeletal injuries. A single dose of 10 mg/kg ibuprofen provided greater pain relief compared to 15 mg/kg acetaminophen and 1 mg/kg codeine6. This makes ibuprofen a preferred choice for managing acute pain in children.
Safety Profile of Ibuprofen
Short-Term Use
Short-term use of ibuprofen is generally safe in children older than 3 months, provided they have a body weight above 5-6 kg and are well-hydrated1 2. No significant clinical or laboratory abnormalities have been noted in studies comparing ibuprofen with acetaminophen and placebo5.
Long-Term Use and Combined Therapy
While ibuprofen is effective on its own, combining it with acetaminophen can provide better antipyresis over a 6-hour period compared to ibuprofen alone9. However, care must be taken to avoid exceeding the maximum recommended doses when using both medications together7.
Conclusion
Ibuprofen is a safe and effective option for managing fever and pain in children when dosed appropriately based on body weight. It offers superior and longer-lasting fever reduction compared to acetaminophen and provides better pain relief for acute injuries. Proper hydration and adherence to dosing guidelines are crucial to ensure safety, especially in infants and young children.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Efficacy and Safety of Ibuprofen in Infants Aged Between 3 and 6 Months
Short-term use of ibuprofen is safe for infants aged 3 to 6 months with a body weight above 5-6 kg, when administered based on body weight and hydration is maintained.
O-23 Ibuprofen in infants younger than 6 months: what is the efficacy and safety profile?
Short-term use of ibuprofen is considered safe in infants older than 3 months with a body weight of over 5-6 kg when hydration is maintained.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalPharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ibuprofen isomers and acetaminophen in febrile children
Ibuprofen isomers show longer pharmacokinetic half-life in febrile children compared to acetaminophen, with ibuprofen reducing temperature more effectively.
RCT
Highly CitedSingle‐Dose Pharmacokinetics of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen in Febrile Children
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen both have pharmacodynamic basis for their initial temperature effects in febrile children, with older children showing higher ibuprofen AUC0 and lower Vd and Clp.
Non-RCTHighly CitedIbuprofen, acetaminophen, and placebo treatment of febrile children
Ibuprofen suspension 10 mg/kg is a safe and effective antipyretic in children with fever, outperforming acetaminophen and placebo.
RCTHighly CitedA Randomized, Controlled Trial of Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Codeine for Acute Pain Relief in Children With Musculoskeletal Trauma
Ibuprofen provides the best analgesia for children with acute musculoskeletal injuries compared to codeine and acetaminophen.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedParacetamol and ibuprofen for the treatment of fever in children: the PITCH randomised controlled trial.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen together effectively reduce fever in children aged 6 months to 6 years, but do not significantly reduce discomfort.
RCTHighly CitedCerebrospinal Fluid Distribution of Ibuprofen After Intravenous Administration in Children
Ibuprofen readily penetrates the cerebrospinal fluid in children, with peak concentrations attained 30 to 40 minutes after intravenous injection, and has a plasma analgesic concentration of 10 to 25 mg/L after inguinal surgery with spinal anesthesia.
Non-RCTEfficacy of standard doses of Ibuprofen alone, alternating, and combined with acetaminophen for the treatment of febrile children.
Combined and alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen provide greater antipyresis than ibuprofen alone for fever treatment in children aged 6 to 84 months.
RCTPharmGKB summary: ibuprofen pathways
Ibuprofen is a widely used NSAID for treating minor pain and inflammation, chronic conditions, and fever in adults and children, with higher efficacy and safety compared to acetaminophen.
Highly Cited