Children’s ibuprofen is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the treatment of fever, inflammation and pain in children over the age of six months as directed by your child’s pediatrician. This medication—which is sold under the brand names Motrin and Advil in the United States—is administered orally as a liquid or chewable tablet. Children’s ibuprofen side effects are typically minor but should be discussed with your child’s pediatrician if they occur.
Stomach Upset
If your child is taking children’s ibuprofen, she may develop stomach-related side effects because of this medication. She may complain that her stomach hurts or is upset (nausea). Some children can experience an uncomfortable burning sensation within the chest or throat (heartburn). Your child may also experience frequent gas after taking a dose of ibuprofen. You may also notice changes in the consistency of your child’s bowel movements because of ibuprofen use while changing her diaper. Her stools may appear loose or runny (diarrhea), or she may not produce a bowel movement for several days (constipation). Such side effects can also affect your child’s appetite and may cause her to be uninterested in eating her favorite snack or meal.
Prolonged or extensive use of ibuprofen by your child can cause severe gastrointestinal complications, including bleeding or ulcer formation. Speak with your child’s pediatrician immediately if you notice blood in your child’s stools, as this can be a sign of intestinal damage caused by ibuprofen.
Headache
While taking ibuprofen, your child can develop a headache as a side effect of this medication, explains Drugs, a peer-reviewed drug information website. Your child may frequently rub his head or complain that his head hurts if headache side effects develop. He may also appear lethargic or be uninterested in playing with his favorite toy or pet. Headache symptoms that occur during ibuprofen use can be mild to moderate in severity and typically subside as the medication wears off.
Dizziness
Treatment with ibuprofen can cause your child to experience abnormal sensations of lightheadedness or dizziness. If this occurs, you may notice that your child appears unstable when she tries to walk or trips and stumbles more frequently than usual. Use of ibuprofen can also cause your child to experience double or blurred vision as a side effect of this medication. Your child may complain that the room is whirling or that she can’t see properly because of such side effects. Contact your child’s pediatrician if these side effects persist or if your child faints or loses consciousness while taking ibuprofen.
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