Ibuprofen 200mg capsules - safe for nine year old boy?

[discophile]

The only painkillers I have in the house are two Ibuprofen 200mg capsules. Can I safely give one to a boy who has just turned nine? He has no health conditions apart from the high temperature and sore throat he currently has. I'm on my own and can't go out for Calpol or similar. Thanks.

Yes , 200mg is the standard dose for a child that age, just ensure he's eaten because ibuprofen is tougher on the stomach in that form than the chjild suspension

Thanks. He's asleep now so maybe temperature will be down when he wakes up.

Not sure-it says 12 on the pack but I give them to dd1 (11) as she gets severe joint/muscle pain but hates the liquid. Does it go by weight? Dd is 6 stone so if your ds is around that weight too I'd guess it was ok.

Ibuprofen goes by weight and the correct dose is 5mg/kg lean body mass.

The standard formula would estimate his weight at 26kg. The correct dose is therefore 130mg or less than one 200mg capsule. I wouldn't advise it (am medically qualified and specialise in acute pain management).

Thank you very much Iteotwawki. Fortunately he slept through the night and his temperature is nearly normal this morning. I must say I was quite unsure about it.

This is the official guidance on dosage for children and 200mg is fine for nine-year-old child
www.cks.nhs.uk/feverish_children_management/management/scenario_feverish_children_management/prescriptions/standard_dose_ibuprofen_3_month_to_16_years_old

What if he is only 8yrs old?

I was told by the GP that the tablets aren't suitable for children under 12s. I didn't ask why, but at the time I was asking for my tall 11yo, and the GP's usually fairly laid back and happy to consider similar things, so I assume there's good reason.