Ibuprofen is an effective reliever of pain, fever and inflammation. This NSAID can be used to treat children’s sore throats, toothaches, earaches, fevers over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, broken bone and other injuries.

Certain conditions can cause ibuprofen to have serious side effects. If a child is dehydrated during an illness, blood flow to the kidneys is decreased. Ibuprofen use also decreases the blood flow to the kidneys. For someone who is already dehydrated, taking this analgesic may further complicate his illness or cause other significant problems. Doctors also advise against using ibuprofen if the child has asthma and/or nasal polyps, stomach or intestinal disorders, a skin condition called angioedema, an aspirin allergy, liver or kidney disease, chicken pox and/or a blood clotting disorder.

Studies are still be done on ibuprofen products and because of this, many doctors recommend it as a second choice in children’s pain relief. A study, whose results were discussed at the November 1997 meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, showed that ibuprofen may do its job too well and may mask symptoms. Danielle Zerr, M.D., a fellow at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, stated, “Ibuprofen is effective as an antipyretic, masking inflammation and symptoms, and delaying a trip to the physician.”

Zerr presented data on a necrotizing fasciitis (NF—a soft tissue infection) outbreak in Washington State. Children who used ibuprofen often had masked the beginning of secondary symptoms, delaying appropriate treatment.