Safety & Prevention Show
Ibuprofen (also known as Motrin® and Advil®) is a medicine used to reduce fever and pain. It is an
"over-the-counter" medicine, meaning that you can get it without a doctor’s prescription. This table* can help you figure out the right amount to give. (Find a print-friendly version
here.) Use your child’s weight to decide on the right amount to give. If you do not know your child’s weight, use your child’s age. Be sure to check with your child’s doctor to make sure you are giving the right amount. 
More information
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Medicines are not always needed for minor illnesses like coughs and colds in children. If your child does need a medicine, it's important they have one that's right for their age and you know how to give it to them safely. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe for treating pain and a high temperature in babies and children. Both are available as liquid medicines for young children. It's best to choose a sugar-free
version. Medicines that contain sugar can harm your child's teeth. Make sure you get the right strength for your child's age and check the label for the correct dose. Or you can ask a pharmacist for advice. It's a good idea to keep one or both medicines stored in a safe place at home. At what age can I give my baby paracetamol or ibuprofen?You can give paracetamol to children aged 2 months or older for pain or fever. You can give ibuprofen to children who are aged 3 months or older and who weigh more than 5kg (11lb). If your child has asthma, get advice from a GP or pharmacist before giving them ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to children under 16 unless it's prescribed by a doctor. It's been linked with a rare but dangerous illness called Reye's syndrome. If you're breastfeeding, ask your health visitor, midwife or GP for advice before taking aspirin. Read more about breastfeeding and medicines Antibiotics for childrenChildren do not often need antibiotics. Most childhood infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics only treat illnesses caused by bacteria, not viruses. If your child is prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, they may seem better after 2 or 3 days. But it's important to always finish the whole course to make sure all the bacteria are killed off. If you do not finish the whole course, the infection is more likely to come back. It also increases the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotics work best if they are given at regular intervals. Giving them to your child at the same times each day may help you to remember. Giving medicine to your childMake sure you know how much and how often to give a medicine. Recording it in your child's Personal Child Health Record (PCHR, or red book) may help you remember. Always read the label on the bottle, and stick to the recommended dose. If in doubt, check with a pharmacist, health visitor or GP. Most medicines for young children come with a special measure called an oral syringe. This helps you measure small doses of medicine more accurately. It also makes it easier to give the medicine to your child. If you're not sure, your health visitor or pharmacist can explain how to use the syringe. Never use a kitchen teaspoon to give your baby or child medicine, because they come in different sizes. Video: how to give medicine to a child using an oral syringeThis video describes how to give medicine to a child using an oral syringe. Media last reviewed: 17 July 2022 Children and side effects from medicineThe leaflet that comes with a medicine will list any possible side effects. If you think your child is reacting to a medicine – for example, with a rash or diarrhoea – speak to a GP, health visitor or pharmacist. In the evenings or at weekends you can call NHS 111. Keep a note of the medicine's name in your child's red book for future reference. Can you get over-the-counter children's medicines for free?Some pharmacies run what's known as a minor ailment scheme for specific ailments, such as coughs and colds and diarrhoea and vomiting. When pharmacies provide medicines as part of a minor ailment scheme, you get the medicines on the NHS. You will not pay a prescription charge for children under 16. Not all pharmacies offer a minor ailment scheme, and the ailments covered by the scheme vary from area to area. Children's medicine safety tips
What happens if you give a 4 month old ibuprofen?Based on the current evidence, short-term use of ibuprofen is considered safe in infants older than 3 months of age having a body weight above 5-6 kg when special attention is given to the hydration of the patient. Ibuprofen should be prescribed based on body weight using a dose of 5-10 mg/kg.
What happens if you give a baby ibuprofen?If given too much ibuprofen, babies may show signs of sleepiness and fussiness, or they may have breathing difficulties if the overdose is serious. If children are given too much, it could cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach bleeding, and kidney damage.
Why is ibuprofen not good for babies?It's a safe drug when used correctly. But too high a dose can make a child very sick. Giving too much can lead to stomach problems, confusion, and possible kidney problems.
Can children over 3 months take ibuprofen?You can give ibuprofen to children who are aged 3 months or older and who weigh more than 5kg (11lb). If your child has asthma, get advice from a GP or pharmacist before giving them ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to children under 16 unless it's prescribed by a doctor.
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Why cant you give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months
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