Safety and efficacy of Ibuprofen in children: A review

Abstract

This study aims to compile data from numerous recent investigations on the pharmacological characteristics, therapeutic applications, and safety of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is frequently used to treat fever, discomfort, and inflammatory symptoms around the world. The evidence regarding ibuprofen's modes of action is examined in light of the drug's effectiveness on reducing fever, pain, and inflammation as well as its negative side effects. Considering the recent restriction for codeine in children under the age of 12, there aren't many pharmaceuticals permitted to relieve pain in these individuals. The most popular medications for this purpose are paracetamol and the NSAID ibuprofen. This overview's objective was to evaluate ibuprofen's therapeutic applicability in children based on its pharmacological characteristics. The effectiveness and adverse effects related to the use of ibuprofen as an analgesic in the pediatric population have been the subject of a critical assessment of the paediatric literature over the past 20 years. Children who experienced musculoskeletal pain, ear pain from acute otitis media, toothaches, and inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat found relief from pain with ibuprofen. The medication provides a suitable and effective substitute for pain relief following surgery, including tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Ibuprofen has minimal side effects and unpleasant reactions. Although rare instances of GI toxicity may happen, it has the lowest gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity of all NSAIDs. In a clinical setting where an inflammatory pathophysiology is present, the decision on the medication to be taken in cases of fever or pain should be made in favor of ibuprofen.