How and when to give ibuprofen for children - Brand names: Nurofen for Children, Calprofen, Brufen

Ibuprofen comes in different strengths. The right strength and dose for your child depends on their age, and sometimes their weight. Always read the instructions carefully, or check with a pharmacist or doctor.

Dosage and how often to give it

You'll usually give your child ibuprofen 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

Dosage for liquid

Ibuprofen liquid (oral suspension), for children from 3 months old, contains 100mg of ibuprofen in 5ml.

For children aged 7 years and over, a stronger liquid is also available containing 200mg in 5ml. If you're using this, check the leaflet that comes with the medicine or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Always check the dose instructions on the packaging or leaflet provided, or on the dispensing label if ibuprofen has been prescribed for your child, to make sure you give the correct dose.

Dosage for tablets and capsules

The usual dose for children aged 12 to 17 years is 200mg to 400mg (one or two 200mg tablets or capsules), up to 3 times in 24 hours.

If a doctor prescribes tablets or capsules for children aged under 12 years, they will use your child's age and weight to work out the right dose for them.

If your child has long-term or more frequent pain, your doctor may prescribe slow-release ibuprofen tablets. Give these once or twice a day. Follow the instructions on the dispensing label.

How to give ibuprofen to your child

It's best to give ibuprofen to children with food or milk so that they do not get indigestion.

Liquid (oral suspension)

Shake the bottle well and measure out the right amount using a plastic oral syringe or spoon. These come in the medicine packet. If you do not have an oral syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

To hide the taste of the liquid, you can give the child a drink of milk or fruit juice straight after the medicine. But do not mix ibuprofen liquid 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 drink 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 capsules 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 warm liquid.

Your child should then swallow the food, or drink the liquid straight away without chewing. Make sure they take it all. Do not keep the granules and food mixture to give later.

How long to give it for

Do not give ibuprofen to a child aged 6 months or older for more than 3 days without speaking to a doctor.

If your baby is aged 3 to 5 months, or under 3 months and has been prescribed ibuprofen, speak to a doctor if they do not improve within 24 hours or their symptoms get worse.

If you forget to give it

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for their next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and give their next dose at the usual time.

Never give 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

If they take too much