Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension

Is Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension for Children Right for Your Child?

When your child is running a temperature or crying with teething pain, you want something that works — and works safely. Ibuprofen suspension for children is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medicines for managing fever, mild to moderate pain, and inflammation in young children. Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension contains 100mg of ibuprofen per 5ml and is suitable for children aged 3 months and over who weigh at least 5kg. It comes in a pleasant orange flavour, making it easier to give to little ones who might otherwise resist medicine.

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is widely recommended by healthcare professionals for short-term use in children and is available without a prescription from registered UK pharmacies. If you're looking for trusted baby and toddler health products, Calprofen is a well-established choice that parents and pharmacists rely on.

How Does Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension Work?

Ibuprofen works by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins — chemical messengers that trigger pain, fever, and inflammation in the body. By reducing prostaglandin production, ibuprofen helps to:

• Lower elevated body temperature (antipyretic effect)
• Reduce mild to moderate pain, including teething discomfort and headaches
• Decrease localised inflammation, such as that caused by ear infections or sore throats
• Provide relief that typically begins within 30 minutes of administration

The liquid formulation means the active ingredient is absorbed quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, making it particularly suitable for children who cannot swallow tablets.

Who Should Use Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension?

Calprofen is designed specifically for children, not adults. It is appropriate for managing a range of common childhood conditions where pain or fever is present. It is particularly useful for:

• Children aged 3 months to 12 years weighing at least 5kg
• Fever following routine childhood vaccinations (from 2 months, under medical guidance)
• Teething pain and associated discomfort
• Mild to moderate pain from ear infections, sore throats, or headaches

It is not suitable for children under 3 months of age (except post-vaccination fever under medical supervision), those with known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or aspirin, or children with certain kidney, liver, or heart conditions. Always read the label carefully before use.

How Does Calprofen Compare to Other Children's Pain Relief Options?

How Should Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension Be Stored?

Store Calprofen below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate the suspension, as this can affect the consistency of the liquid. Always keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children — medicines should never be left accessible to young ones. Check the expiry date before each use and do not use the product after the date shown on the packaging.

Once opened, Calprofen should be used within the period stated on the label — typically within a few months. If you're stocking up on children's health essentials, you might also want to explore our wider pain relief collection for other trusted options.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension and What Is It Used For?

Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension is an oral liquid medicine containing ibuprofen 100mg per 5ml. It is used to relieve fever, mild to moderate pain, and inflammation in children. Common reasons parents reach for it include post-vaccination fever, teething discomfort, sore throats, earache, and headaches. It is classified as a General Sale List (GSL) medicine in the UK, meaning it can be purchased without a prescription from registered pharmacies and retailers.

Ibuprofen suspension for children is one of the two main types of children's liquid pain relief available in the UK — the other being paracetamol suspension. Unlike paracetamol, ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can make it particularly useful when inflammation is part of the problem, such as with ear infections or teething.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension?

Before giving Calprofen to your child, it is important to check that it is safe for them. Do not use this medicine if any of the following apply:

• Your child is under 3 months old or weighs less than 5kg
• Your child has a known allergy to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID
• Your child has a history of asthma triggered by NSAIDs
• Your child has active or previous stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Your child has severe kidney, liver, or heart failure
• Your child is dehydrated or has significant blood loss

Speak to your pharmacist or GP before use if your child has chickenpox, as ibuprofen use during chickenpox has been associated with serious skin complications. Also seek advice if your child has any chronic health condition.

Be aware of the following potential drug interactions:

• Aspirin and other NSAIDs — increased risk of side effects
• Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) — may increase bleeding risk
• ACE inhibitors and diuretics — ibuprofen may reduce their effectiveness
• Corticosteroids — increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects
• Methotrexate — ibuprofen may increase methotrexate toxicity

How Should You Use Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension?

Always use the oral syringe or measuring device provided with the bottle. Do not use a household teaspoon, as this may result in an inaccurate dose. Follow these steps:

1. Shake the bottle well before each use.
2. Check your child's weight and age to determine the correct dose from the table below.
3. Draw up the correct amount using the oral syringe.
4. Administer the suspension directly into your child's mouth, aiming for the inside of the cheek.
5. Give with or after food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
6. Wait at least 6 hours before giving the next dose.
7. Do not give more than 3 doses in any 24-hour period.

If your child's symptoms do not improve within 24 hours of starting treatment, or if they worsen at any point, seek medical advice promptly. For broader children's health support, you may also find our cold and flu collection helpful during winter months.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension?

Like all medicines, Calprofen can cause side effects, although not every child will experience them. Knowing what to look out for helps you act quickly if something doesn't seem right.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 children):

• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 children):

• Skin rash or itching
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild allergic reactions

Stop use immediately and seek urgent medical attention if your child develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe skin reactions, or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as blood in stools or vomit. These are rare but serious reactions that require prompt assessment.

How Should You Store Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight
• Do not refrigerate — cold temperatures can affect the suspension
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children at all times
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacist

If you need additional first aid or health essentials for your family, take a look at our first aid collection for a range of trusted products.