Nurofen For Children Soft Chews - 12 Chewable Capsules

Are Ibuprofen Chewable Capsules for Children Effective for Pain and Fever?

When your child is unwell — whether it's a sore throat, earache, or a temperature that just won't budge — finding a medicine they'll actually take can feel like half the battle. Ibuprofen chewable capsules for children like Nurofen For Children Soft Chews offer a practical solution. Each orange-flavoured capsule contains 100mg of ibuprofen, designed to be chewed rather than swallowed whole, making them far easier to administer to children who struggle with tablets or dislike liquid medicines. At just £5.59 for 12 capsules, they're a convenient option to keep in the family medicine cabinet. You can also explore our wider baby and toddler range for other child-friendly health essentials.

These soft chews are licensed for children aged 7 to 12 years. They're indicated for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain — including headaches, dental pain, and muscular aches — as well as for reducing fever. The NHS recommends ibuprofen as one of the two main medicines suitable for managing pain and high temperature in children, alongside paracetamol.

How Do Nurofen For Children Soft Chews Work in the Body?

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. It works by inhibiting enzymes known as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are responsible for producing prostaglandins — chemical messengers that trigger pain, inflammation, and fever responses in the body.

• Prostaglandin production is reduced, lowering the pain signal sent to the brain
• Inflammation at the site of injury or infection is dampened
• The hypothalamus (the brain's temperature regulator) is influenced, helping to bring down fever
• Effects typically begin within 20–30 minutes of administration

Because the capsule is chewed rather than swallowed whole, the ibuprofen is released quickly in the mouth and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. This format can be particularly helpful for children who find swallowing tablets difficult.

Who Are Nurofen For Children Soft Chews Suitable For?

These soft chews are specifically formulated for children aged 7 to 12 years. They are not suitable for younger children — parents of children under 7 should look at ibuprofen suspension products licensed for younger age groups. They are appropriate for children who:

• Are aged between 7 and 12 years and weigh at least 20kg
• Experience mild to moderate pain such as headaches, toothache, or earache
• Have a fever (temperature of 38°C or above) requiring short-term management
• Have difficulty swallowing tablets or dislike liquid medicines

They are not suitable for children with known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, those with active gastrointestinal ulcers, or children with severe kidney, liver, or heart conditions. Always check with a pharmacist if you're unsure whether ibuprofen is appropriate for your child.

How Do Nurofen Soft Chews Compare to Ibuprofen Suspension for Children?

How Should Nurofen Soft Chews Be Stored and Are They Clinically Appropriate?

Store Nurofen For Children Soft Chews below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them out of the reach and sight of children at all times — the orange flavour may make them appealing to young children who could mistake them for sweets. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Clinically, these ibuprofen chewable capsules for children are a well-established option for short-term pain and fever management. If your child's symptoms persist beyond three days, worsen, or if you have any concerns, consult your GP or pharmacist promptly. For broader children's health needs, our pain relief collection includes a range of options for different ages and conditions.

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 Nurofen For Children Soft Chews and What Is It Used For?

Nurofen For Children Soft Chews are orange-flavoured chewable capsules, each containing 100mg of ibuprofen. They are used for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever in children aged 7 to 12 years. Conditions they can help with include headaches, dental pain, earache, sore throats, and muscular aches. They can also be used to manage the fever and discomfort associated with colds and flu — if your child is also experiencing cold symptoms, our cold and flu collection may offer additional support.

Ibuprofen is one of the two medicines recommended by the NHS for managing pain and high temperature in children. These soft chews are a convenient, portable alternative to liquid ibuprofen suspension, particularly for older children who prefer not to take syrup.

What Do You Need to Know Before Giving Nurofen Soft Chews to Your Child?

Do not give these soft chews if your child:

• Is under 7 years of age
• Has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID
• Has or has previously had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Has severe kidney, liver, or heart failure
• Has chickenpox — ibuprofen use during chickenpox has been associated with serious skin complications
• Is taking other NSAID-containing medicines concurrently

Use with caution and speak to a pharmacist or GP first if your child has asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, or any blood clotting disorder. The following medicines may interact with ibuprofen:

• Aspirin or other NSAIDs (increased risk of side effects)
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin (increased bleeding risk)
• Corticosteroids (increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration)
• Antihypertensives (ibuprofen may reduce their effectiveness)
• Methotrexate (ibuprofen may increase methotrexate toxicity)

How Should You Give Nurofen For Children Soft Chews?

1. Check your child's age — these chews are only for children aged 7 to 12 years.
2. Give the capsule(s) with or after food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
3. Ensure your child chews the capsule thoroughly before swallowing.
4. Give a glass of water alongside to help with swallowing.
5. Wait at least 6–8 hours before giving the next dose.
6. Do not give more than 3 doses in any 24-hour period.
7. Do not use for more than 3 days without seeking medical advice.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Nurofen For Children Soft Chews?

Like all medicines, ibuprofen can cause side effects, although not every child will experience them. Giving the chews with food significantly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal effects.

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

• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Mild stomach pain

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

• Dizziness or headache
• Skin rash or itching
• Vomiting
• Flatulence

Stop giving the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if your child develops signs of an allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction. These are rare but serious. If your child experiences any gastrointestinal bleeding (blood in stools or vomit), stop use immediately and contact a doctor. For children who also need support with digestive discomfort, our indigestion range may be helpful alongside medical advice.

How Should You Store Nurofen For Children Soft Chews?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight
• Keep the packaging tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicines to your pharmacy