Let's figure out what is better for children "Ibuprofen" or "Nurofen". Today, pharmacies offer a huge selection of all kinds of painkillers, which sometimes makes it extremely difficult for people to decide what is best to buy for treatment. It is especially difficult to make a choice when it comes to the therapy of a child. I must say that at present, two modern medical drugs, which are Ibuprofen and Nurofen, are in rather great demand among all consumers. It should be noted that they are identical in composition and have similar indications for use. But still, which is better for children, Ibuprofen or Nurofen?
Drug Profiles
The presented pharmaceuticals are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can effectively relieve pain as well as reduce fever. It should be noted that they affectthe children's body is exactly the same, providing a similar anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effect.
Ibuprofen and Nurofen contain the same active ingredient - ibuprofen. Such a component can be quickly absorbed by tissues, and therefore it is observed in the blood already an hour after ingestion. It can be partially excreted from the body in just a few hours. But it will take at least a day to completely cleanse.
Due to the fact that the drugs presented can have the same effect, consumers still often have the question of which is better for children: Ibuprofen or Nurofen? In order to answer this question, you first need to understand in detail what they contain.
Comparison of drug formulations
Which is better for children: "Ibuprofen" or "Nurofen", it is important to find out in advance. As already noted in the description, the main component of the drugs in question is the substance ibuprofen. Due to its content, both drugs can produce a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effect, providing a complex antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect.
Due to the fact that both drugs contain the same active ingredient, they have a similar list of indications for use, they cause the same side effects and have similar contraindications. It also means that consumers can choose the drug that best suits their budget, andif a child is allergic to certain auxiliary components, you can always replace it with another one. Next, we will figure out in which cases it is advisable to prescribe Ibuprofen and Nurofen to children. There is still a difference between these funds.
What are the indications for prescribing to children?
As part of their practice, pediatricians prescribe these medicines to children in a number of the following cases:
- If the child has an acute respiratory viral infection.
- In case of influenza.
- In the background of the reaction after vaccination of children.
- When teething pain occurs.
- In case of headache.
- For pain due to injury.
Now let's find out if we should expect any unwanted manifestations from the use of these drugs.
Adverse reactions from use
So, we continue to choose: "Ibuprofen" or "Nurofen"? These drugs can have a detrimental effect on the child's body, and therefore they must be taken only in a short course and in minimal dosages in order to reduce the number of side effects. For example, due to the influence of the active component of these drugs in young patients, the following undesirable blood symptoms are possible: a decrease in hemoglobin along with thrombocytopenia (increased bleeding) and leukopenia (a decrease in leukocyte concentration).
The immune system may respond by causinga child has allergic reactions in the form of anaphylactic shock, nonspecific skin rashes (urticaria along with itching and Lyell's syndrome), swelling of the face, tongue, larynx, and so on. Among other things, nausea is very likely in combination with vomiting, sometimes ulcerative formations in the digestive system and impaired liver function. Now let's find out in which cases it is better to refuse to take these funds.
Contraindications for taking
Among the prohibitions on the use of "Ibuprofen" and "Nurofen" for the treatment of children, the instructions highlight allergies and hypersensitivity to drug ingredients. But it should be emphasized that Ibuprofen, unlike Nurofen, is much more likely to cause allergies. Some parents, transferring children from Ibuprofen to its analogue, note the complete absence of the above reactions after the replacement. But, nevertheless, "Nurofen" also cannot be called absolutely safe. Both he and the second remedy have the following contraindications:
- Child has stomach or intestinal ulcers.
- Failure of blood clotting processes.
- Presence of severe heart failure.
- Other conditions and diseases that do not involve exposure to these pharmaceuticals.
So what is the difference between Ibuprofen and Nurofen?
Price comparison
It is worth noting that the cost of these medicines is somewhat different. For example, for "Nurofen" in suspension with a dosage of 100 milligrams, you need to pay about one hundred ninety-two hundred rubles. WhatAs for Ibuprofen, it is more affordable for the wallet, and you need to pay about one hundred to one hundred and twenty rubles for it at the pharmacy.
Which is better to choose?
What is the difference between "Ibuprofen" and "Nurofen" for children, we explained. As already reported, when choosing between the two drugs described, it is necessary to understand that they contain the same substance in themselves, which means that they have absolutely identical effects. For example, both reduce the temperature, eliminate pain, relieve swelling. Against the background of all this, both Nurofen and its analogue can be used from an early age in children without fear of causing serious adverse reactions.
However, unlike Ibuprofen, which is available only in the form of a suspension, its counterpart Nurofen has many dosage forms and can be bought in the form of suppositories, capsules and tablets. Thus, choosing this drug, parents can choose the most convenient option for their child in terms of dosage and dosage format.
I must say that in relation to children, Nurofen, exactly like Ibuprofen, is used mainly to lower the temperature. For these purposes, syrup or candles can be used. Of course, most moms and dads prefer to use syrup. Speaking of suppositories for young patients, it should be noted that their introduction to crumbs causes serious discomfort compared to the internal use of a liquid form. True, at a very early age, an annotation for a medicine in the form of a syrup excludes its use,because children have not yet learned to swallow. It is during this period that candles are best suited.
As for the popular question of what would be better for a child, Ibuprofen or Nurofen, I must say that the doctor will give the most competent answer, because a lot depends on the individual characteristics of each baby. In this regard, Nurofen is more suitable for some children due to their age and the presence of any deviations in he alth, while Ibuprofen will serve as the best drug of choice for others.
In the event that the drug does not properly reduce the temperature, acts too slowly or even causes many side effects, it is better to refuse it, of course, replacing it with an analogue. In general, both considered means have the same effect, therefore, they can be used with absolutely equal popularity.
If it was not possible to choose which is better for the child: "Ibuprofen" or "Nurofen", you can use an analogue.
Analogues
In the event that, under certain circumstances, both of these medicines are not suitable for a child, you should not despair, since today there are many of their analogues on the pharmaceutical market. One of the recommended and popular remedies is a medicine called Maxicold. For children, it is available in the form of a suspension. This medicine has a small cost, which is one hundred and sixty rubles.
The well-known Paracetamol can also replace Nurofen and Ibuprofen. Its price is even lower and equals only seventyrubles. Attention should also be paid to Paracetamol-Altpharm, which is sold in the form of rectal suppositories, which cost fifty rubles. Next, we will get acquainted with the opinions of pediatricians and find out what they think about these drugs, and which one, in their opinion, is better for children.
Reviews of doctors
As for specialists, they state in the comments that the main difference between Nurofen and Ibuprofen is the number of clinical trials. The fact is that the first drug is a proprietary drug, while its analogue, Ibuprofen, is just an ordinary substitute, within the framework of which the manufacturing technology may change, and at the same time there are no thorough medical tests.
But, nevertheless, despite this circumstance, doctors still trust the cheaper Ibuprofen, considering it no less effective. According to doctors, this drug can also be given to children without fear according to indications.
Medics also admit that when prescribing patients, Nurofen is often preferred only because it has many forms of release (syrup, tablets, drops), which are convenient to choose depending on the age of the child. Recall that Ibuprofen is available only in tablets.
We looked at which is best for kids: Ibuprofen or Nurofen.
