Calprofen and Nurofen - same strength, different dosage advice!

[colditz]

One allows 5 ml at a year old, the other only allows 2.5 ml. Is it safe to give 5 ml of the one that only 'allows' 2.5, considering it is the same formula as the one that allows 5 ml?

I personally would try the smallest dosage first, and see if that works.

are they both the same strength?

Ie the same mg / 5ml teaspoon?

if so then i would def give 5ml.... (also bear in mind that in this country if a small over dose can do any harm at all the drug wont even have a license, and ultimately its the amount of drug per 24 hours per kg of body weight that it is important, and they will allow for extreamly small children when saying at 12 months they can have X amount! ie the smallest 12month olds and some 6 month olds will probably be bigger)

(NOT saying give a normal size 6 month old a 12month olds does, just dont worry about it too much cause if it was possible to seriously harm the child you wouldnt actually even be able to buy it over the counter )

Check that they are the same concentration in mg per ml.

Usual concentration is 100mg/5ml but think you can get 100mg/10ml preparations.

Iburprofen can be given 5mg/kg of child's weight. Max of three such doses in 24 hours.

Typical weight for 1 year old child is about 10kg, so each dose 50mg therefore either 5ml or 2.5 ml depending upon the concentration of the preparation.

Both prep[arations are 100mg/5ml - I just wondered why the different advice

I asked my GP this and he advised using the smaller dose (2.5ml) but up to 4 times in 24 hours, whereas the 5ml does can only be given 3 times in 24 hours. His rationale was that you were then able to keep the pain relief/ fever down at a more stable pace.

If this is to treat teething or other pain/fever relief, you can alternate every 3-4hours paediatric paracetamol & paediatric ibuprofen.

HTH