There is a child in the house - there is Ibuprofen in the refrigerator door or in the medicine cabinet. Mothers with babies who ended up in other countries because of the war have generally made sure that Ibuprofen is the most popular remedy "for everything" in Europe. Fever? Ibuprofen. Stomach ache? Ibuprofen. Earache? Throat? Anything else? Ibuprofen!
And if the pediatrician who is observing prescribes it, there should be no problem. But it happens that the mother gets so used to it that when the child has a fever and pain, her hand automatically reaches for the familiar bottle of syrup.
However, Ibuprofen has contraindications.
Like any other medicine.
It reduces the production of prostaglandins
They regulate kidney function, resulting in more fluid retention in the body. Therefore, Ibuprofen should not be used without a doctor's prescription and supervision for:
- renal failure and kidney diseases in general;
- heart failure and heart problems in general;
- hypertension and blood pressure problems in general.
Ibuprofen should not be taken with chickenpox.
This is exactly the kind of children's story when, with chickenpox, the temperature soars to 39, and mom gives an antipyretic.
Caution: Paracetamol can be given for chickenpox. Ibuprofen cannot.
Why?
Ibuprofen can cause superinfections caused by bacteria. This leads to necrosis of the skin and soft tissues (necrotizing fasciitis). In addition to the fact that this is a serious complication of chickenpox in itself, further serious consequences are possible, again for the kidneys and the whole body.
It is important to remember
Remember: there is no medicine that does not have contraindications. And when it comes to a child's health, read the instructions for the drug again (not the Internet!), or better yet, ask your pediatrician.
Our pediatricians will never leave you without answers to such questions: the health of every child is our top priority!