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Published on: October 29, 2020

Efficacy of ibuprofen in pediatric patients with fever

M C Nahata1, D A Powell, D E Durrell

  • 1College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus.

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy, and Toxicology
|March 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Ibuprofen effectively reduced fever in children, with a 10 mg/kg dose showing a greater and longer-lasting effect than a 5 mg/kg dose compared to placebo. This study highlights ibuprofen

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Clinical Therapeutics
  • Pharmacokinetics

Background:

  • Fever management in infants and children is a common clinical challenge.
  • Ibuprofen is a widely used antipyretic agent, but optimal dosing for pediatric populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and dose-response relationship of ibuprofen in reducing fever in pediatric patients.
  • To compare the antipyretic effects of two different ibuprofen doses (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) against a placebo.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 56 children aged 0.5-12 years with fever (rectal temperature ≥38.3°C).
  • Participants received a single dose of ibuprofen (5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) or placebo.
  • Temperature, vital signs, and ibuprofen plasma concentrations (via HPLC) were monitored for 8 hours.

Main Results:

  • Both ibuprofen doses significantly reduced temperature compared to placebo (p < 0.0005 for 5 mg/kg, p < 0.0001 for 10 mg/kg).
  • The 10 mg/kg dose resulted in a greater maximum temperature reduction (1.8°C vs 1.3°C) and a longer duration of action than the 5 mg/kg dose.
  • Maximum temperature reduction occurred earlier with ibuprofen (3-4 hours) compared to placebo (7 hours).

Conclusions:

  • Ibuprofen is an effective antipyretic in children.
  • The 10 mg/kg dose of ibuprofen demonstrates superior efficacy and duration of action compared to the 5 mg/kg dose for fever reduction in pediatric patients.

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