Do not keep medicine that is expired or not needed.
What is proper dosage?
Follow instructions for dosage based on doctor's orders or medicine label.
Make sure you use the dropper or medicine cup that came with the medicine.
Don't use a kitchen spoon. Spoons are different sizes and are not a good measuring
tool.
Do not use the dropper for liquid elixir medicine. You may not give your
child enough.
If you lose the original dropper or medicine cup, use a medicine syringe
bought at the drug store. The pharmacist can show you how to use it.
The following table is the recommended dosage for ibuprofen. Dosage should
be based on your child's weight, not age.
If you still aren't sure of the dose, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
mg= milligrams
ml=milliliters
Ibuprofen Dosage: Given every 6-8 hours
Age
Weight
Drops 50 mg/ 1.25 ml
Elixir 100 mg/ 5 ml
Chewable Tablets 85mg/tablet
Chewable Tablets 100 mg/ tablet
0-5 months
6-11 lbs.
X
X
X
X
6-11 months
12-17 lbs.
1.25 ml or 1 dropperful
X
X
X
12-23 months
18-23 lbs.
1 1/2 dropperful
X
X
X
2-3 years
24-35 lbs.
X
1 tsp
X
X
4-5 years
36-47 lbs.
X
1 1/2 tsp
3 tablets
X
6-8 years
48-59 lbasl
X
2 tsp
4 tablets
2 tablets
9-10 years
60-71 lbsl
X
2 1/2 tsp
5 tablets
2 1/2 tablets
11 years
72-95 lbs.
X
3 tsp
6 tablets
3 tablets
What are possible side effects?
Nausea, heartburn.
Stomach ache, cramps.
Diarrhea, gas, vomiting, or constipation.
Feeling dizzy, tired, lightheaded, or confused.
What are signs of a severe reaction? Call the doctor at once if your child has one of these reactions:
Wheezing.
Fever.
Tightness in the chest.
Itching, rash, hives.
Bad cough, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Blue skin color or swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Blood in the stool, vomit, or coughing up blood.
Strange bruising or bleeding.
Ringing in ears.
Vision changes.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if your child has side effects.
Call your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Call your doctor if your child has a history of alcohol abuse, has bleeding
problems, diabetes, hemorrhoids, kidney disease, anemia, hepatitis, asthma,
heart disease, or high blood pressure.
If your child needs to take this medicine for a long time, such as to treat
arthritis, talk to your doctor first.
If your child takes ibuprofen regularly, tell the doctor or dentist prior
to having surgery.
Call your doctor at once if your child has chills, fever, muscle aches,
pain, or gets a rash after taking ibuprofen.
Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve, if fever lasts for more than
3 days, or if a painful area becomes red and swollen.
Call the doctor if you have questions about proper dosage.
Quick Answers
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug.
Some brand names are Advil, Aleve, Excedrin, Genpril, Midol, Motrin, and
Pamprin.
It can be used for minor aches and pains, to reduce fever, for headaches,
menstrual cramps, or to reduce symptoms of arthritis.
Do not give your child ibuprofen if she is allergic to aspirin.
Follow instructions for dosage based on doctor's orders or medicine label
and your child's weight.
Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, dizziness, or confusion.
Signs of a severe reaction include wheezing, fever, itching, rash, swelling,
blood in the stool or vomit, or unusual bruising or bleeding.
Call the doctor if your child has side effects after taking ibuprofen or
if symptoms do not improve after a few days.
References
Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Patient Education Program: Ibuprofen. 1998
August (cited 2001 October 15). Available from: URL: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/family/pep/medications/5104/
HealthGate. Ibuprofen. 1978-2000 (cited 2001 October 15). Available from:
URL: http://community.healthgate.com/print/print.asp?siteid=Demonstration&docid=/imcaccess/ConsDrugs/Ibuprofencd
Medem. Ibuprofen Dosage Chart. 2000 (cited 2001 October 15). Available from:
URL: http://www.medem.com/medlib/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZh1GB1B7C&sub_cat=27
MedlinePlus. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal (Systemic). (cited 2001
October 5). Available from: URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/antiinflammatorydrugsnonsteroi202743.html
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