Page 2 - Demo

EVIDENCE FOR THE TOLERABILITY PROFILE OF IBUPROFEN Literature shows GI tolerability profile of ibuprofen is similar to paracetamol in managing children’s pain and fever^1,2 In one of the largest trials of ibuprofen and paracetamol, the risk of GI bleeding was low (7.2 per 100,000), with no statistically significant difference in GI bleeding between the two groups (p=0.31).1,2 The four cases of bleeding (which were managed conservatively) in this study is occasionally cited as a potential cause for concern, despite the lack of a significant difference relative to paracetamol.1,2 Other studies have confirmed that upper GI complications are rare events in children treated with NSAIDs (~2.4 incidents per 100,000 children presenting to emergency departments).1 In a case-controlled study of children admitted to hospital over an 11-year period the authors found no significant difference in the absolute risk of upper GI complications with paracetamol compared with ibuprofen (adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.6 and OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.3-5.9).1 Plus, a 2020 meta-analysis in children younger than 2 years of age found a low rate of adverse events overall with ibuprofen and paracetamol in the short term. There was a similar rate of serious adverse events, with the odds of a serious adverse event with ibuprofen vs paracetamol to be 1.08, 95% CI 0.87-1.33; p=0.50, moderate quality evidence.3 You may give Nurofen for Children without food or milk.1,4 ^When taken as directed in an over-the-counter setting in patients without contraindications/precautions. GI: gastrointestinal. NSAIDs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. CI: confidence interval. OR: odds ratio. References: 1. Kanabar DJ. Inflammopharmacology 2017;25(1):1-9. 2. Southey ER, et al. Curr Med Res Opin 2009;25(9): 2207-2222. 3. Tan E, et al. JAMA Net Open 2020;3(10):e2022398. 4. Rainsford KD & Bjarnason I. J Pharm Pharmacol 2012;64:465-9. Reckitt Benckiser Group of Companies. Level 47, 680 George St, Sydney 2000, NSW Australia. Prepared November 2020. RB0195