Information on liquid Ibuprofen including the Ibuprofen dosage, uses and side effects.
What is Ibuprofen Used For?
Ibuprofen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used for the treatment of fever, including post-immunisation fever, and relief of mild to moderate pain such as a sore throat, toothache, earache, minor body or muscle ache and sprains. Ibuprofen works by changing the body's response to high temperature, reducing pain and swelling.
Ibuprofen Dosage and How to Use
For Children 6 Months and Older
Ibuprofen for children older than 6 months old can be dosed by weight. When the child's weight is not known, it may be dosed by age. Each Ibuprofen dose should be given approximately every 6 to 8 hours (up to 3 times a day). Take with or after food.
Weight range (kg) | Age range (years) | Dose recommended (mg) | Volume to use (ml) for each dose |
6 – 7.9 | 0.5 – 1 | 40 | 2 |
8 – 9.9 | - | 50 | 2 .5 |
10 – 17.9 | 1 – 4 | 100 | 5 |
18 – 23.9 | 4 – 6 | 150 | 7.5 |
24 – 30.9 | 6 – 8 | 200 | 10 |
31 – 36.9 | 8 – 10 | 250 | 12.5 |
37 – 42.9 | 10 – 12 | 300 | 15 |
43 – 50 | - | 400 | 20 |
Shake the bottle well before use. Measurement based on 100mg/5ml Ibuprofen suspension.
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Ibuprofen Side Effects, Precautions, Contraindication
Before You Use or Take Ibuprofen
Medical advice should be sought before use if the child has any of the following conditions or symptoms:
- Asthma
- Allergic rash or an itchy runny nose when taking Ibuprofen
- Aspirin or other similar medication
- Previously vomited blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Bloody stools or black sticky stools, conditions that increase the risk of bleeding
- Stomach or intestinal ulcer
- Severe heart, liver or kidney disease
- If the child is not drinking enough fluids or has lost a lot of fluids from vomiting and diarrhoea
Ibuprofen should be avoided if the child has a known history of allergy to Ibuprofen, other NSAIDs or any of the other listed ingredients in the product.
Interactions with Other Medications
Be sure to inform the doctor and/or pharmacist if the child is taking, has recently taken or will be taking other medications, nutritional supplements or herbal products.
Be sure to mention any of the following:
- Any other pain medications
- Antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin)
- Blood-thinning medications (e.g. warfarin)
- Anti-depressant medications (e.g. fluoxetine, venlafaxine)
- Anti-seizure medications (e.g. phenytoin)
- Immune system medications (e.g. cyclosporine, methotrexate)
- Water pills (e.g. triamterene, spironolactone)
- Mood-stabilizing medications (e.g. lithium)
- Gout medications (e.g. probenecid)
Ibuprofen Side Effects
Common Ibuprofen side effects
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Flatulence (bloatedness)
- Fluid retention
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Itchiness
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Rash
- Swelling
- Vomiting
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Handling and Storage of Liquid Ibuprofen
- Keep out of reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool dry place.
- Keep refrigerated after opening.
- Discard bottle 6 months after opening or on the date of expiry, whichever is sooner.
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When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Inform your doctor and/or pharmacist immediately if the child experiences any allergic symptoms (e.g. rashes, itchiness, difficulty in breathing or eye swelling) or serious Ibuprofen side effects due to this medication such as swelling of ankles or feet, yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes or unexplained bruising or bleeding.
The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms.
Do not use liquid Ibuprofen for more than 3 days without medical supervision.
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