Ibuprofen for babies is really dangerous (apparently)

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nikkiandneil Platinum member

07/01/2010 at 08:53

I have just gotback from the GP (Abby is full of a cold) and he told me that it is OK to give her Calpol every 4 hours while she is poorly, but don't give ibuprofen.

I asked him why and he said "you should never give any non steroid anti-inflamatory to any child, I cannot belive some sick pervert was able to make it and maket it for babies, if you have any at home - throw it away"

He then said it can damage baby's kidneys, he used to work in a peadiatric renal unit - and saw some real horror stories.

So anyway I now feel really awful for keep giving it to Abby (even though I stuck to the instructions on the bottle) so I thought I should let you all know. I honestly never thought they would be able to sell something so dangerous! :x :x :x

Nx

kef120

07/01/2010 at 09:16

Well the paediatritian we saw on Tuesday told us as long as it's not over the stated amount and obviously not for long periods of time (which if you were having to do you'd be seeing a Dr anyway I guess) then it's fine.
I have also had the same advice from three or four other Dr's in the past though we never had to do it with either of mine as their temperatures came down or their illness was not severe enough. One of my best friends little girls was in hospital a year ago having had febrile convulsions due to her temperature being so high and the Dr's there wanted to know why she HADN'T given her both together!
I think it's down to their individual opinions so depending on who you see you'll get different advice.
Kathryn xxx

Wanna-bump Platinum member

07/01/2010 at 09:20

That's terrible scaremongering from your G.P! I would complain. That is purely based on opinion and not evidence. Basing your opinion on one or 2 things you've seen is not evidence. He should be drawing his knowledge off large scale randomised control trials and the British National Formulary (drug "bible" that all doctors should have).

If you follow the instructions on the ibuprofen syrup bottle or ask your pharmacist for advice on how to use it then it is perfectly safe!! In vast quantities, given on an empty stomach or for a prolonged period it can be bad; but in general it is fine and perfectly safe. Giving paracetamol and brufen together, 3 hours apart, can be helpful to a child and can prevent other problems and maximise their comfort. This is illustrated very well by kef120. Brufen is far less dangerous than a febrile convulsion!

[Modified by: Wanna-Bump on January 07, 2010 01:24 PM]

Loopyloo80UK Platinum member

07/01/2010 at 09:26

Gate crashing really as my lo is a toddler now but saw this on the front page. I have been advised to give my lo ibroprofin and calpol alternately in the past and was given baby neurofin on prescription once - I think you have to way up what is worse - taking what seems to be some biased advice or helping your child to get better especially when it comes to high temperatures as babies don't have the ability to regulate thier temperature high temps can be dangerous for them.

Mum to a toddler & baby twins

katstar

07/01/2010 at 10:39

hmmmm not really sure i agree with that! Maybe if you gave it 3 times a day for weeks on end.

In my opinion Ibuprofen is excellent at getting temperatures down and keeping them down for much longer than paracetamol.

Remember though all the stuff in the press about a year ago that said research showed that giving Calpol (paracetamol) could increase a childs risk of developing asthma??? Sometimes these things should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Please please so not feel bad or guilty, your G.P was out of order passing on such a strong personal opinion. x

nikkiandneil Platinum member

07/01/2010 at 10:57

Aww thanks girls! I am so glad I am not alone. I always thought it was better to get a temp down at all costs too, so I will definately keep hold of my calprofen - but I will use calpol first in future! I was just so shocked that he was saying how damaging it can be! I am so glad it seems that it is just a dopey GP, thankfully it's not her normal GP!

Nx

laranchloe Platinum member

07/01/2010 at 11:27

OMG can't believe you were given this advice! We have to use nurofen with chloe as is she allergic to calpol - we have never had so much as a mention not to use it and we have seen every GP at our surgery, seen numerous paeds at hospital and no mention! we have now found chloe can have tesco's own paracetamol suspension but i would still use nurofen first as this works better! i have also been told to and have use the alterning paracetamol and nurofen.

laraxx

girlinleeds Platinum member

07/01/2010 at 14:18

i can't actually say what i want about that gp, he is full of crap, yes if you gave your baby more than you should over a long period of time it could damage a babies kidneys but not if you follow the instructions on the bottle. We give ibuprofen and calpol all the time to babies and children at work and if consultant paediatricians think it's safe then i'm positive it is. It's like anything if you follow the instructions it's fine if you don't then your going to have problems, really so cross at your gp what an idiot.
(if you want more reassurance just message me on fb)
xx

dipndazzle Platinum member

07/01/2010 at 14:38

what!!! i give both of mine ibruprofen ,calpol makes jack hyper so i dont give it him i give them boots own sore throat and fever relief which i ibruprofen!! i seriously shouldnt give it them??!! i cant give them anything then ...everything but calpol is 6& and now this !!!

girlinleeds Platinum member

07/01/2010 at 15:09

honestly it is safe, i'm a children's nurse, we wouldn't be allowed to give it or it wouldn't be for sale if it's not, as long as you follow the instructions and don't overdose you children every day it's fine, even calpol can cause problems if you give too much (as in overdosing your child over a long time)
xx

mrsjbourne Platinum member

07/01/2010 at 15:38

JJ was prescribed ibuprofen and calpol every 2 hours for 5 days...that's totally wrong what ur GP has said to you! ibuprofen is brilliant for temperatures x

Bizzylizzy7 Silver member

07/01/2010 at 16:26

It's definately safer to give it than have a temperature! These things are tested for years before release. I used to be an a&e nurse and saw so many children having febrile convulsions due to very high temps! As long as the instructions are followed then it's fine!

kar1234

07/01/2010 at 17:20

when dd had swine flu dr said to give calpol and calprofen. they would nto be able to sell from 3+ months if it was harmful

lau27

05/07/2012 at 21:37

my daughter has tontilitis she wont eat only drinking little bits , so the doc gave her penicillian , shes been takin that calpol and ibrufon but on a emty stomach she wont it this has been goin on for 2 days , is it ok 4 her to take these?

MyBs

06/07/2012 at 08:47

Hi lau27, you should realky ask a dr or pharmacist whether its ok for your daughter to take those meds on an empty stomach, as its too important to go on sometimes opinion on here. All I will say is that penecillin can sometimes cause a bad rash in small children (it is not serious, but very miserable for kids) just so you're prepared. X

GlitterBug09 Platinum member

07/07/2012 at 09:28

My daughter had a throat infection and wouldnt eat either. keep offering her milk feeds throughout the day and offer yoghurt and fruit puree. once she starts to feel better she will eat, it just hurts too much at the minute. xx

T` H

07/02/2013 at 23:26

You dumb mothers. You really believe that your dr. cares about your health and will not just push any new, dangerous drug on you and your kids? How many commercials have you seen "if you took ___ and experienced kidney faliure/heart attack/birth defects/death/etc, then you may be able to recieve financial compensation". The drugs dr prescribe are meant to mask symptoms and have not been studied for long term use, yet they will encourage you to use forever (asthma meds are a good example).

Take responsibility for you health AND especially your baby's. Use your brain and do some research on all the horrible things dr.s have prescribed and DONT let dentists put neuro-toxin mercury fillings in your kids mouths!!!!! Its sad i even have to say these things...

laurelladie Platinum member

11/02/2013 at 11:37

Well T' H aren't you offensive!

KazzieM

11/02/2013 at 11:52

T H you are entitled to your opinion but, as I have said to plenty of people in the past, if you believe everything you read you wouldn't touch anything & would probably wind up in hospital being given all those drugs you're objecting to in order to keep you alive.

E.G. Do you know what is in the toothpaste you use to clean your teeth?

Do you know what is in the food you are eating every day?

Do you know what is in your health & beauty products (shampoo, bath oils, moisturisers, soaps)?

Do you know what is in the water you drink?

There are plenty of things in our day to day lives that we don't put too much thought to but when it comes to drugs/vaccinations suddenly it's all blown out of proportion & 'OMG, don't touch that!!!' Seriously, stop & think about it for a moment, what is better here - leaving your child to suffer with pain or providing them with relief? Each to their own opinion, it doesn't make anyone DUMB or STUPID for choosing what they feel best.