What to use: paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Either paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used for pain relief however do not give them at the same time. They are both effective painkillers that work in different ways.

  • Ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties and blocks the pain messengers at the site of pain.
  • Paracetamol is thought to work by blocking the pain messengers in the brain.

Nurofen for Children 3 Months to 9 Years Oral suspension contains ibuprofen, from 3 months and weighing over 5kg and children up to 9 years old.

All oral products in the range come with an easy dosing device to help ensure accurate dosing.

Before using Nurofen for Children 3 months to 9 years Oral suspension make sure that:

  • your child is 3 months or older and over 5 kg in weight
  • you have checked with your doctor or pharmacist, if your child has any other health conditions, have or has recently taking other medicines or you are unsure how to give the medicine.
  • you have read the label and information leaflet contained inside the pack.

How much ibuprofen should I give my child?

The recommended dose of Nurofen for Children Oral Suspension varies depending on the age and weight of your child. Start by selecting the most appropriate product from the Nurofen for Children range for your child, then check the dosing guide on the back of the pack to determine the right dosage for your child.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of anything. Ibuprofen can usually be given to children 3 to 4 times per day to relieve pain, or according to directions from your pharmacist or doctor. If you forget to give your child their dose of ibuprofen, don’t worry. You can give the missed dose as soon as you remember or if it’s almost time for another dose, skip the missed dose and give the next dose as usual. Never give a double dose.

When should you see a doctor for your child’s pain?

Assessing pain in babies and young children can be difficult, please check the NHS website for further guidance and contact your doctor if you feel your child is not well. If your little one is under 6 months old, speak to your doctor immediately if there are no signs of improvement after 24 hours of taking medicine. When treating mild pain in older babies or toddlers, don’t wait longer than 3 days to talk to your doctor.

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters please contact your doctor.