An oral temperature of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit or above denotes a fever in a child. When your child has a fever, it is a sign that her body is fighting an infection. Headache, weakness, muscle aches, fever and chills often accompany this higher than normal temperature. Giving your child an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen can bring relief.
How Ibuprofen Works
Ibuprofen is an NSAID, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, that relieves inflammation and pain and lowers fevers. The pea-sized hypothalamus region inside the brain regulates temperatures within the body just as a thermostat controls the temperature in your home. When an infection is present, the body's thermostat raises the temperature on this internal thermostat. Ibuprofen reduces fevers by readjusting the thermostat in the brain, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center. Ibuprofen also reduces any pain that accompanies the fever.
Dosage
The children's dose of ibuprofen depends on weight. For instance, a dose of 50-mg infant drops are suitable for children between 12lbs. and 59 lbs; 1.25 mg for a child between 12 lbs. and 17 lbs.; 1.875 ml for a child between 18 lbs. to 23 lbs.; 2.5ml for 24 lbs. to 35 lbs; 3.75ml for 36 lbs. to 47 lbs.; and a 5-ml dose of ibuprofen in a dropper for children between 48 lbs. and 59 lbs. Two and one-half junior strength tablets are suitable for children between 60 lbs. and 71 lbs, and three tablets for children between 72 lbs. and 95 lbs. Children 96 lbs. and over may take three junior tablets. It is acceptable for some children to take 200-mg adult strength dosages, according to Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Children between 48 lbs. and 71 lbs. may take one adult strength tablet, while children between 72 lbs. and 95 lbs. may take one and one-half. For a child 96 lbs. and over, two adult strength tablets are acceptable. Offer dosages every six to eight hours as needed.
Warning
Never offer ibuprofen to children less than six months of age without first checking with their pediatrician. In some children, ibuprofen can cause stomach upset. According to HealthWise Incorporated, children who are allergic to aspirin should not take ibuprofen for fever. Children who have a history of kidney or liver disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia or a blood-clotting deficiency should not take ibuprofen. For children who are taking blood thinners or corticosteroids, ibuprofen is also not an option.
When to Call the Doctor
Sometimes ibuprofen is not enough to treat a fever. Seek immediate medical assistance for a fever that does not come down after the administration of ibuprofen. According to Indiana University Emergency Medicine's MomTalks Parent Education Series, seek immediate medical help if your child has a fever and is unresponsive, has had a seizure or is having trouble breathing. Medical attention is also necessary for any child who is inconsolable during a fever or extremely irritable.
References
- New York University's Langone Medical Center: Ibuprofen
- Doernbecher Children's Hospital: Ibuprofen Dosage Table
- HealthWise Incorporated; Use of Ibuprofen in Young Children; Jan Nissl, R.N., B.S.; April 2009
- Indiana University Emergency Medicine; "MomTalks Parent Education Series"; Pediatric Fever...; July 2008
