But other studies have found ibuprofen to be safe and effective for treating certain pains in children.
Ibuprofen should only be taken with meals or milk, and bottle or box directions should be consulted for proper dosage according to the child’s weight and age. Avoid giving this product to children under the age of six months. Ibuprofen’s effects last for six to eight hours, and should not be given for more than three consecutive days without a doctor’s approval.
How to Protect Your Child
· Communicate with the child’s other caretakers to avoid unintentional over-medicating. · Refrain from giving aspirin to your child of any age. · Avoid giving an infant ibuprofen. · Be aware of the product’s dosage, paying strict attention to the words “extra-strength” and “regular strength.” Infant’s liquid painkiller often has a higher concentrate than the children’s version. · If your child has a high fever (over 102) or has any swelling, and is not aspirin-allergic, some brand of ibuprofen may be your best choice of pain reliever. · Always consult your doctor if you are unsure about proper dosage, which analgesic to give your child, or if you have any questions.
Jill L. Ferguson is an author, editor, public speaker, consultant and professor. She has written over 700 published articles, essays and poems. Her novel, Sometimes Art Can't Save You, published by In Your Face Ink, debuted at the end of 2005. She chairs the General Education Department at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
