Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Ibuprofen

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: December 2001
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

• What is ibuprofen?
• What are some brand names?
• What can I use it for?
• How should I use it?
• How should I store this medication?
• What is proper dosage?
• What are possible side effects?
• What are signs of a severe reaction?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is ibuprofen?

• Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug
• It can be bought without a prescription
• It can often be used instead of aspirin.

What are some brand names?

• Advil
• Aleve
• Excedrin
• Genpril
• Midol
• Motrin
• Pamprin

What can I use it for?

• Minor aches and pains.
• To reduce fever.
• Headaches.
• To reduce symptoms of arthritis such as swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
• Menstrual cramps.

How should I use it?

• Ibuprofen can be taken with or without food.
• If your child gets an upset stomach after taking it, have her take it with food.
• Do not give your child ibuprofen if she is allergic to aspirin.

How should I store this medication?

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep cap on tight.
• Keep out of heat, direct light, and damp areas.
• Keep from freezing.
• 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

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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