1. About ibuprofen for children
Ibuprofen is a common painkiller for children. It's often used to treat cold symptoms, teething and toothache.
Ibuprofen also treats inflammation, such as aches and pains after an injury like a sprain, or because of a health problem like childhood arthritis. It can also be used to bring down a high temperature (fever).
For children aged 3 months to 12 years, ibuprofen comes as a liquid syrup.
For children aged 7 years or older, ibuprofen is available as tablets, capsules and granules that you dissolve in water to make a drink.
You can buy most types of ibuprofen from pharmacies and supermarkets. Some types, such as ibuprofen granules, are only available on prescription.
For over-17s, read our information on ibuprofen for adults.
NHS coronavirus information
There is currently no strong evidence that non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can make coronavirus (COVID-19) worse.
But until we have more information, take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you or your child.
If you or your child have no coronavirus symptoms and regularly take ibuprofen for pain relief, carry on taking it as usual. If you notice any coronavirus symptoms, ask your doctor about changing to paracetamol instead.
Updated: 20 March 2020
2. Key facts
- Ibuprofen comes in different strengths. The strength and dosage for your child depends on their age (and sometimes size), so always read the instructions carefully.
- Your child should start to feel better about 20 to 30 minutes after taking ibuprofen.
- It's best to give ibuprofen with, or just after, a meal so it doesn't upset your child's tummy. Do not give it on an empty stomach.
- Do not give ibuprofen to your child if they have asthma, unless your doctor has said it's OK.
- Ibuprofen is called by different brand names, including Nurofen for Children, Calprofen and Brufen.
3. Who can and can't take ibuprofen
Children can take ibuprofen as:
- a liquid syrup – from the age of 3 months
- tablets and capsules – from the age of 7 years
- chewable tablets – from the age of 7 years
- granules – from the age of 12 years
Ibuprofen is not suitable for some children. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if your child:
- has had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen or any other medicines in the past
- has asthma
- has liver or kidney problems
- has a health problem that means they have an increased risk of bleeding
- has an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- is small or big for their age, as a lower or higher dose may be better
Important
Do not give ibuprofen for chickenpox unless it has been recommended by a doctor – it can cause a serious skin reaction.
4. Dosage and how often to give it
Ibuprofen is usually given to children 3 or 4 times a day. Your pharmacist or doctor will tell you how often to give it.
If you're not sure how much to give a child, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
If you give it:
- 3 times in 24 hours, leave at least 6 hours between doses
- 4 times in 24 hours, leave at least 4 hours between doses
Ibuprofen syrup dosages for children
| Age | How much? | How often? |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 months (weighing more than 5kg) | 2.5ml | Max 3 times in 24 hours |
| 6 to 11 months | 2.5ml | Max 3 to 4 times in 24 hours |
| 1 to 3 years | 5ml | Max 3 times in 24 hours |
| 4 to 6 years | 7.5ml | Max 3 times in 24 hours |
| 7 to 9 years | 10ml | Max 3 times in 24 hours |
| 10 to 11 years | 15ml | Max 3 times in 24 hours |
| 12 to 17 years | 15ml to 20ml | Max 3 to 4 times in 24 hours |
Ibuprofen tablet dosages for children
| Age | How much | How often |
|---|---|---|
| 7 to 9 years | 200mg | Max 3 times in 24 hours |
| 10 to 11 years | 200mg to 300mg | Max 3 times in 24 hours |
| 12 to 17 years | 200mg to 400mg | Max 3 times in 24 hours |
If your child has pain all the time, your doctor may prescribe slow-release tablets or capsules. These are given once or twice a day.
What if I forget to give it?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for their next dose, skip the missed dose and give their next dose as the usual time.
Never give a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
What if they take too much?
Important
If you give your child 1 extra dose of ibuprofen by mistake, wait at least 12 hours before giving them any more.
Urgent advice: Get help from 111 now if:
- your child takes 2 extra doses or more of ibuprofen.
They may need treatment.
Online
Go to 111.nhs.uk – for children aged 5 years and older
Telephone
If you need to take your child to hospital, take the ibuprofen packaging or leaflet plus any remaining medicine with you.
5. How to give ibuprofen to your child
It's best to give ibuprofen to children with food or milk so they do not get an upset tummy.
Syrup
Shake the bottle well and measure out the right amount using a plastic syringe or spoon. These come in the medicine packet. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.
To hide the taste of the syrup, you can give the child a drink of milk or fruit juice straight after the medicine. But do not mix ibuprofen syrup with juice or milk as it may mean they do not get the right dose if they do not finish the drink.
Tablets and capsules
Tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or juice. Tell your child not to chew, break, crush or suck them as this could irritate their mouth or throat.
Children taking chewable tablets should chew them before swallowing.
Granules
Sprinkle or stir the granules into a small amount of soft food (such as yoghurt) or a small drink, or you can mix them with a spoonful of cold water. Do not mix the granules with warm food or liquid.
Your child should then swallow the food or drink it straight away without chewing. Make sure they take it all. Do not keep the granule/food mixture to give later.