Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
NSAID / Analgesic / Antipyretic

Ibuprofen (Paediatric)

Brand names: Nurofen for Children, Calprofen

Paediatric ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), used in children for fever and mild to moderate pain.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Reversibly inhibits cyclo-oxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and thereby producing analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Prescribing in practice

  • Avoid in dehydrated or hypovolaemic children (including significant vomiting, diarrhoea or chickenpox) because of the risk of acute kidney injury, and use caution with asthma where NSAIDs may trigger bronchospasm.
  • Give with or after food and confirm weight-based paediatric dosing and minimum age against a children's formulary.
  • Caution in children with gastrointestinal, renal or bleeding risk, and avoid combining with other NSAIDs.

Monitoring

For short-term antipyretic use formal monitoring is not usually required; review hydration, renal function and gastrointestinal tolerance with higher doses or prolonged use.

Counselling the patient

  • Give with or after food and use the measuring device supplied.
  • Keep the child well hydrated and stop and seek advice if they become very unwell, are vomiting or not drinking.
  • Do not give alongside another ibuprofen or NSAID-containing product.

Evidence & guidelines

Ibuprofen is recommended for fever and pain in children by NICE feverish-illness guidance, used as a single antipyretic agent.

Reference: NICE NG143; PITCH Trial (Hay et al, Lancet 2008); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways