How long does it take for children’s “Nurofen” to work: features of the drug’s action

09.28.2020 Alena Masheva Health

Of the modern medications used in pediatric practice to reduce body temperature, the most popular is children's Nurofen. How and after how long the remedy begins to work is a question that worries every mother. Today we will look at the effectiveness of the drug in various pharmacological forms of release, and also answer a number of important questions.

What is Nurofen: forms, composition

Nurofen
Nurofen is a highly effective anti-inflammatory drug on a non-steroidal (non-hormonal) basis. The composition of this drug is simple - ibuprofen. Sometimes excipients are added to improve the taste of the dosage form. Most often it has an orange flavor. The drug is available in the following forms:

1. Rectal suppositories. Prescribed for children aged 3 months to 2 years . The suppositories contain the active substance ibuprofen in a dosage of 60 mg . The auxiliary components are solid fats. This dosage form of Nurofen is the most optimal option for fever in children prone to allergies to medications from the NSAID group.
2. Suspension (syrup) . It has a pleasant taste, so it is taken with pleasure by young patients. This form of Nurofen is intended for children from 3 months to 12 years . The active substance ibuprofen is contained here in a dosage of 100 mg/5 ml . Additional components - gum, orange flavor, glycerol, maltitol, etc. Nurofen suspension does not contain synthetic dyes or sugar.
3. Film-coated tablets . Suitable for children over 6 years . They have a smooth surface and are small in size, making them very easy to take. Each tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen and stearic acid, sucrose and other excipients.
4. Capsules. Nurofen Express Ultracap and Nurofen Express Forte are a new form of release of the drug. Each capsule contains the active substance in a dose of 200 mg or 400 mg . The drug is prescribed to children weighing more than 20 kg. The capsules are dense to the touch and have an oval shape. They contain ibuprofen dissolved in a hydrophilic solution and are quickly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract.

Important : Any form of release of Nurofen is suitable only for symptomatic therapy. It is prohibited to use the drug as an independent medicine for viral or bacterial infections in children.

When is the effect observed after taking Nurofen baby syrup?

The liquid form, according to the instructions for use, is intended for children aged from 3 months to 12 years. The dosage of the drug depends on the age and weight of the child. Syrup is used to eliminate various pains, including headaches, dental, ear, joint pain, as well as to relieve pain in muscles, joints, migraines and neuralgia.

However, the most important question for many parents remains: “When does Nurofen syrup for children begin to work?” In order for the main component to enter the blood, it first has to pass through the esophagus. And this requires a lot of time. The approximate time when the therapeutic effect of the product begins is 30-40 minutes .

Nurofen syrup works against fever within one hour (a therapeutic effect can be expected from suppositories and tablets much earlier). It is worth noting that these figures are not always reliable. The effect of the drug depends on many factors - the sensitivity of the child’s body, the disease, its severity, etc. Therefore, there is no need to give the baby an additional portion of the medicine - it is better to wait a few more minutes.

If the thermometer readings continue to increase and the child does not feel better, then this is a reason to urgently consult a doctor.

Doctors warn that it is necessary to reduce body temperature only when the temperature is 38°C and above. Up to these limits, the body tries to independently fight the infection by producing antibodies. Therefore, it is not worth interfering with the immune system in this case.

Pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action of Nurofen: indications

After administration, ibuprofen is rapidly absorbed and distributed throughout the body. Pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action:

• The substance is excreted primarily through the kidneys, that is, most of it is excreted in the urine.
• Studies have shown that a small concentration of the active component of the drug Nurofen can pass into breast milk.
• The half-life of ibuprofen is 2 hours .
• Its maximum concentration in blood plasma is monitored 45 minutes after administration.

Ibuprofen has pronounced anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activity. It tends to influence the production of prostaglandins - the so-called inflammatory mediators. The substance suppresses their production and also inhibits the effect of elements already present in the blood. Due to this, an analgesic effect is achieved.

Taking the drug is indicated for:

• Fever of different types and genesis.
• Pain syndrome of various locations (in the throat, back, head, ear, etc.).
• Inflammatory processes in the tissues of the above organs (as an addition to the main therapy regimen).

In addition, it is advisable to use Nurofen for menstrual pain in teenage girls and adult women.

Regarding the use of the drug as an antipyretic, there are some nuances here too. In particular, it is recommended to give medicine only when body temperature rises to 38.5 degrees or above . At lower thermometer readings, it is not recommended to rush to use Nurofen, since the immune system tries to overcome infection and inflammation on its own.

When should you not give Nurofen to children?

Nurofen
Like any other drug, Nurofen has its own contraindications for use. When should you not give it to children? This medicine is prescribed with extreme caution to children, so it is recommended to first consult with a pediatrician. It is strictly unacceptable to give syrup or any other form of Nurofen to children and adult patients with the following pathologies:

• Hypersensitivity to any component of the drug
• Serious kidney disease
• Aspirin-induced asthma
• Inflammatory lesions of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract
• Hyperkalemia
• Bleeding disorders
• Tendency to bleeding or presence thereof
• Liver diseases

Tablets and syrup are not prescribed if you are allergic to fructose. Suppositories are contraindicated in cases of damage to the integrity of the mucous membranes of the rectum. In case of anemia, disorders of the immune system, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus and other dangerous pathologies, Nurofen can only be taken under the supervision of a physician.

How long does it take for Nurofen for children in syrup to work against fever?

When a child has a fever, all the parents’ thoughts are concentrated on only one thing, so that the antipyretic drug works as quickly as possible. How long does it take for Nurofen for children in syrup to work against fever?

• Nurofen has a relatively quick therapeutic effect, lasting 4-6 hours .
• But the time for the onset of antipyretic and analgesic effects depends on the form of release of the drug.

Most often, parents use a suspension. After use, the syrup is absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract, and this process takes at least half an hour. Therefore, the effect of taking it can be observed only 40-60 minutes after use. But, of course, these terms are relative, since everything is purely individual.

Why does the speed and effect of children's Nurofen change?

Medicines do not always act as the manufacturer wrote, or even as the doctor who prescribed them promised. In the case of antipyretic drugs, especially if there is an urgent need to bring down the temperature of a baby who is not even a year old, this is almost critical, so young parents are trying to figure out whether there are great risks that children’s Nurofen will not work quickly, and what these terms actually depend on.

How long should Nurofen for children take effect in suppositories based on temperature?

Nurofen
Rectal suppositories have a faster action. How long should Nurofen for children take effect in suppositories based on temperature?

• They are quickly absorbed - in about 15-20 minutes.
• Therefore, the antipyretic and analgesic effect is observed approximately 20-30 minutes after their introduction into the rectum.

In addition, this form of Nurofen , unlike syrup, is characterized by a longer period of action. The effect of using candles lasts up to 8 hours .

How long does it take for the temperature to drop from Nurofen tablets?

Ibuprofen contained in Nurofen tablets enters the bloodstream and accumulates within 40-50 minutes. How long does it take for the temperature to drop from Nurofen tablets?

• The therapeutic effect is achieved in approximately the same period as the syrup.
• The effect of the tablet form of the drug begins 45-60 minutes after administration.
• The duration of action ranges from 6-8 hours .

As for the capsules, they begin to act after 40 minutes . The effect lasts up to 8 hours .

Nurofen: side effects

Nurofen
When used correctly and in full compliance with the dosage rules, Nurofen does not cause side effects. In addition, the presence or absence of contraindications to its use plays an important role in this case. When using the drug while ignoring the previously described restrictions, the risk of adverse reactions increases significantly.

Side effects of Nurofen are characterized by the appearance of:

• Attacks of nausea.
• Bronchospasm (in patients suffering from bronchial asthma).
• Gastralgia (stomach pain).
• Skin allergic reactions, which, in turn, are manifested by dermatoses, urticaria, swelling, itching, redness of the skin in different parts of the body.
• Cephalgia (headache).

In rare cases, taking Nurofen can provoke changes in the composition of the blood, as well as cause bleeding of varying intensity. Situations were also noted when there was a disruption in the functioning of the liver and kidneys, and changes in blood pressure. Some patients had defects in the oral mucosa.

Duration of use

For fever, the maximum possible period of use of the drug is three days. In case of severe pain, therapy can be extended up to five days. If after the specified time period no positive changes are observed, it is replaced with another drug with a similar principle of action. It is also important to ensure that the therapeutic plan is drawn up correctly.

In rare cases, adverse reactions occur from various body systems. Early discontinuation of the drug and selection of another medication is required. Adverse reactions are expressed by dyspeptic disorders, headaches and dizziness, insomnia, increased blood pressure, renal dysfunction, allergic reactions, anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia may occur.

Regimen of use and dosage of Nurofen for children

Nurofen
The dosage features of Nurofen for children directly depend on its dosage form. You should also take into account the child’s age, and sometimes his weight. Here is more detail about the mode of application and dosage:

SUPPOSITORIES:

Nurofen rectal suppositories are administered according to the following schemes:

• Babies aged 3-9 months weighing from 6 to 9 kg are given 1 suppository three times a day.
• Children from 9 months to 2 years weighing 8-12 kg are administered 1 suppository four times a day.

The suppositories need to be inserted deep into the rectum, while the child should take a comfortable lying position. It is advisable to carry out hygiene procedures and wipe the skin in the anal area dry before using the medicine.

SUSPENSION:

Nurofen syrup is dosed taking into account the age category to which the child belongs. More detailed instructions are given in the table:

It is prohibited to deviate from this dosage regimen, or to increase the number of uses of the Nurofen . Remember that in such cases the risk of adverse reactions and overdose increases. And this can have an extremely negative impact on the overall health of the child.

PILLS:

Nurofen tablets are recommended to be taken only after meals. If you do not need to drink the suspension with water, then this form of the drug, like capsules, should only be consumed together with liquid. Usually a single dosage is 1 tablet , but children over 12 years of age can be given two tablets at once. The daily dosage of tableted Nurofen is 4 tablets , which is equal to 800 mg of ibuprofen.

It is also worth remembering the duration of drug therapy. In case of fever it should not last longer than 3 days , in case of pain – 5 days . If during this period of time it was not possible to get rid of the alarming symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Effect of the drug on body temperature

The main substance of the drug is ibuprofen - a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substance, chemically defined as methylpropylphenylpropanoic acid. The substance does not dissolve in water; it is prepared for treatment in syrup, suppositories, tablets, and suspensions.

The antipyretic property is due to the effect on the heat-regulating centers of the diencephalon. Ibuprofen reduces their excitability.

The reduction of fever with this substance depends on the causative agent of the disease and the dosage of the medicine in children. Five ml of suspension contain 100 mg of ibuprofen.

In addition to the active substance, the drug contains additional components that may cause adverse reactions and be contraindicated. When using a medical product, it is important to consider its composition.

When can Nurofen be given again?

The time for repeated use of Nurofen directly depends on the achieved therapeutic effect and its duration. When can the medicine be given again? As a rule, doctors and manufacturers of the drug do not recommend drinking it earlier than 8 hours after using the first dose.

• But if necessary, the interval between doses or rectal administration of the medicine can be shortened.
• In total, Nurofen can be reused every 6-8 hours .

45 minutes to 1 hour has passed after using the medication , and the therapeutic effect does not occur, you can give your baby a drug based on paracetamol. This could be Panadol, Efferalgan or any other remedy. But this combination of medications should be discussed with your pediatrician in advance, since such treatment cannot be called completely safe.

Why is Nurofen ineffective?

Having become familiar with the time intervals and having learned how long it takes for children’s “Nurofen” to act in different release forms, some parents are perplexed: why sometimes there is no effect? If an hour or more has passed and the temperature still does not drop, moreover, it continues to rise, the dosage should be reconsidered. For example, a child is five years old, but weighs more than 20 kg. In this case, he needs to be given 10 ml, not 7.5. However, this issue should be discussed with your pediatrician to avoid overdose.

Also, cases where “Nurofen” turned out to be ineffective can include a kind of addiction or the body’s resistance to the active substance. It is for this reason that doctors recommend alternating medications. In this case, you need to make sure that they have different active ingredients. So the lack of effect is also possible if the parent gives the child only Nurofen. For example, you can also use “Panadol”, “Ibuklin-junior”, “Cefekon”. But it is better to discuss this issue with your doctor.

The third most common reason is incorrect therapy. When only the symptoms of the disease are eliminated, and no measures are taken against the cause of its occurrence. In this case, you should not look for an answer to the question of how long it takes for children’s Nurofen to take effect, but rather show the child to a doctor. A high body temperature that does not fall, despite taking antipyretics, indicates the development of an inflammatory process in various organs, which can lead to serious and even irreversible consequences.

Consequences of an overdose of Nurofen for children

Nurofen
An overdose of Nurofen for children in a child is a consequence of non-compliance with the dosage regimen, or neglect of recommendations regarding the intervals between doses of the medication. As a rule, it manifests itself with almost the same symptoms as adverse reactions, only they differ in a higher degree of severity. What consequences?

In case of an overdose of the drug, patients may complain of:

• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Weakness
• Noise and ringing in the ears
• Headache
• Dyspepsia, etc.

With a significant overdose of the drug, the child becomes lethargic and apathetic. He suffers from drowsiness and may become irritable and whiny. Disorders in the functioning of various internal organs are also possible, which will require urgent medical intervention.

To avoid such negative consequences, never give your child Nurofen in doses exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations. And always strictly observe the intervals between the use of tablets, capsules, suspensions or suppositories.

Is it allowed to give Nurofen to children?

Nurofen
Nurofen is an excellent pain reliever and antipyretic for children from 3 months . The syrup is very easy to use, as, in principle, are candles. In addition, it has a pleasant taste, so kids take it with pleasure and without whims. But many parents are still worried and ask: “Is it allowed to give Nurofen to children?” .

There are some points you need to be aware of:

• Neither syrup nor any other dosage form of Nurofen has an immediate effect.
• If a child’s body temperature rises rapidly and his general condition worsens, do not hesitate to call an ambulance.

Thus, Nurofen is one of the most optimal options for fever or pain in a child. It is actively used after immunization, for chickenpox, ARVI, teething, as well as many other pathologies and painful conditions. And most importantly, the active substance of the drug, ibuprofen, is more effective than the popular paracetamol. After all, ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug, and paracetamol is just an analgesic and antipyretic.

Reviews about the effectiveness of children's "Nurofen"

This drug is very popular in pediatrics and general medical practice; it has earned the trust and recognition of hundreds of thousands of people. Children's "Nurofen" is chosen by the majority of young mothers who consider it important to have a drug in the medicine cabinet to relieve pain and reduce body temperature in infants, as well as in preschool and school-age children. Almost all the reviews that can be found about this product are positive. There are comments when mothers, in a panic, begin to look for another remedy, because after the specified time, the desired effect could not be achieved. As mentioned above, this can be influenced by various factors. In any case, an increase in a child’s temperature is a reason to consult a doctor. He must select a remedy for symptomatic and primary therapy that will help cope with the disease.

Source: fb.ru

drugs

Nuances of reducing fever in children with Nurofen: tips

Nurofen
When using Nurofen to treat fever or pain in a young child, certain points need to be taken into account. Here are tips and nuances for reducing fever in children:

1. Oral administration of syrup or tablets is permissible only after meals. When taking the medicine on an empty stomach, irritation of the mucous membranes of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract is possible, which will lead to gastrointestinal side effects.
2. Fever that is not relieved even by repeated administration of Nurofen or additional use of paracetamol is a good reason to immediately call an ambulance or consult a doctor on your own.
3. The drug eliminates the symptoms of the existing pathology and stops the inflammatory process . But in the case of bacterial, fungal or viral etiology of the disease, it has no effect on the process of its course. Therefore, in such situations, Nurofen can only be used as part of complex therapy, and exclusively for symptomatic treatment.

Most importantly, never neglect to study the instructions for the drug in detail. Even if the doctor prescribed it, and even if the entire treatment regimen is described in detail, do not be lazy to look at the annotation. After all, there you will find important information that may well affect the outcome of treatment. In particular, the package insert describes in detail which drugs should not be combined with Nurofen , and also provides a complete list of possible adverse reactions with the frequency of their development. Good luck!

How to speed up the action of the syrup

Nurofen for children - syrup (suspension) - works quite quickly. However, the speed of exposure can be increased, for example, if you give the baby the medicine on an empty stomach.

It is worth noting that some mothers prefer to increase the dosage of the drug, give two servings at once, or simultaneously combine ibuprofen with drugs containing paracetamol to speed up the effect. These actions are fundamentally wrong. In this case, you can harm the child and cause overdose symptoms, the worst of which are gastrointestinal bleeding, respiratory depression, etc.

The duration of treatment with Nurofen syrup should not exceed 3 days. If after this time the medicine has not had an antipyretic and analgesic effect, then this is a reason to consult a doctor to adjust the dosage or prescribe another medicine.