In February 2019 researchers from Italy published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the effectiveness and adverse events associated with the use of ibuprofen as a painkiller in children. Results showed that ibuprofen appeared effective in several pain conditions in children such as musculoskeletal pain, ear pain and acute otitis media, toothache and the inflammatory disease of the oral cavity and pharynx. The drug was also a reasonable and effective alternative in postoperative pain, including tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and remains the treatment of choice for pain in chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Reported adverse events associated with ibuprofen are mild. It has the lowest gastrointestinal toxicity among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, although some cases of gastrointestinal toxicity may occur. Its renal effects are minimal, but dehydration plays an important role in triggering renal damage, so ibuprofen should not be given to patients with vomiting and diarrhoea. Ibuprofen showed a good safety profile and provided evidence of effectiveness for mild-moderate pain of different origin in children. In case of fever or pain, the choice of drug to be used should be ibuprofen, especially when there is an inflammatory cause.
Barbagallo M, Sacerdote P. Ibuprofen in the treatment of children’s inflammatory pain: a clinical and pharmacological overview. Minerva Pediatr. 2019 Feb;71(1):82-99.