Q: My 5-year-old threw up 15-20 minutes after taking Ibuprofen. Should I count this dose towards the daily limit?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 5-year-old child, who weighs about 20 kg, took 10 ml of ibuprofen this morning. However, they threw up about 15 to 20 minutes after taking it. I didn't give another dose right away, but I am expecting the fever to return later today. Do I need to include the 10 ml they vomited in their total daily dosage limit, or can I exclude it?

Answer:

It is completely understandable to be concerned about dosing when a child throws up their medication. Because your child vomited just 15 to 20 minutes after taking the medicine, it is highly likely that the medication was not absorbed into their system.

Re-dosing Guidelines:

* Since the vomiting occurred within a short 15 to 20-minute window, you can consider the dose unabsorbed.

* You do not need to include that vomited 10 ml in your child's total daily dosage calculation.

* You can proceed with the next dose following a normal schedule (4 to 6 hours after the initial dose attempt).

Ibuprofen Dosage Guide for a 20 kg Child:

* Single Dose Range: 100-200 mg (typically 5-10 ml, depending on the medicine's concentration).

* Standard Recommended Dose: 150 mg (7.5 ml).

* Frequency: Maximum of 4 times a day, spaced 6 hours apart.

Tips to Prevent Vomiting with Medication:

* Offer 1 or 2 crackers before giving the medicine to soothe the stomach.

* Have your child sit quietly for about 10 minutes after taking the dose.

* Encourage them to take small sips of cool water.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

Please consult your pediatrician if your child continues to vomit after taking medication. Watch closely for signs of dehydration, such as dry lips or decreased urination. If the fever reaches 40°C (104°F) or higher, visit a hospital immediately for an in-person evaluation.

In summary, you can safely exclude the vomited morning dose from your daily limit calculations and provide the normal dose when the fever returns.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us