Ibuprofen

Dr. Parang Mehta, MD.

Ibuprofen is a drug classified as an NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug). These drugs reduce inflammation at various body sites, and their primary use is in disorders in which inflammation occurs. They are chiefly used in diseases like arthritis.

However, NSAIDs also reduce pain and fever, and ibuprofen is commonly used to treat fever

Uses of Ibuprofen

Side Effects

Three to nine percent of people taking ibuprofen experience nausea, stomach upset or skin rashes. Severe gastritis with vomiting of blood or black coloured stools occurs in some children.

Serious adverse effects are rare. Acute renal failure occurs in some children. It is more likely to occur in dehydrated children.

Other rare but serious adverse effects are anaphylaxis, Reyes' syndrome, liver disorder, blood disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, and mental changes.

The most common side effects are stomach related. It causes gastritis often, and sometimes

Precautions

Ibuprofen should not be used immediately before or after surgery.

Like other NSAIDs, ibuprofen provokes asthma. It should not be used in children who have asthma.

Ibuprofen causes gastritis (acidity) and ulcers, and so should be avoided when a safer alternative exists.

 

Last revision: September 16, 2011

Dosage of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is available as a syrup, drops, and tablets. The dose is usually 20 milligrams (mg) per Kg of body weight in a day. This total dose is divided in to three or four parts, and given as 3/4 daily doses.

For example, a 15 Kg child would require (20 x 15) 300 mgs of ibuprofen a day. She can be given 3 doses of 100 mgs each, at 8 hourly intervals.

When treating inflammatory disorders, the dose has to be individually tailored. The lowest dose that gives adequate relief should be used.

When treating fever, ibuprofen is given on an as needed basis. A dose is given whenever the fever rises, taking care not to exceed the recommended total daily dose. The usual dose is 5 mg per Kg of body weight, but somewhat higher doses can be given for high fevers. There should be at least 6 hours interval between 2 doses.

Contact Information

Dr. Parang Mehta,
Mehta Childcare,
Opposite Putli, Sagrampura,
Surat. Tel: +91 98241 53923.
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