Commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are:

Question: Can you name 5 contraindications to NSAIDs?

Answer

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen should be used for mild to moderate pain, pain and inflammation of soft-tissue injuries and pyrexia with discomfort.

Child 1 - 2 months

5 mg/kg 3-4 times a day

Child 3 - 5 months

50 mg 3 times a day, maximum daily dose to be given in 3-4 divided doses; maximum 30 mg/kg per day

Child 6 - 11 months

50 mg 3-4 times a day, maximum daily dose to be given in 3-4 divided doses; maximum 30 mg/kg per day

Child 1 - 3 years

100 mg 3 times a day, maximum daily dose to be given in 3-4 divided doses; maximum 30 mg/kg per day

Child 4 - 6 years

150 mg 3 times a day, maximum daily dose to be given in 3-4 divided doses; maximum 30 mg/kg per day

Child 7 - 9 years

200 mg 3 times a day, maximum daily dose to be given in 3-4 divided doses; maximum 30 mg/kg per day; maximum 2.4 g per day

Child 10 - 11 years

300 mg 3 times a day, maximum daily dose to be given in 3-4 divided doses; maximum 30 mg/kg per day; maximum 2.4 g per day

Child 12 - 17 years

Initially 300-400 mg 3-4 times a day; increased if necessary up to 600 mg 4 times a day; maintenance 200-400 mg 3 times a day, may be adequate

Commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are:

Question: Can you name 5 contraindications to NSAIDs?

Answer

Diclofenac

Diclofenac should be used in postoperative pain, by rectum:

Child 6 months - 17 years (body weight 8-11 kg)

12.5 mg twice daily for maximum 4 days

Child 6 months - 17 years (body weight 12 kg and above)

1 mg/kg 3 times a day (max. per dose 50 mg) for maximum 4 days

Diclofenac should be used for inflammation or mild to moderate pain, by mouth using immediate-release medicines, or by rectum:

Child 6 months - 17 years

0.3-1 mg/kg 3 times a day (max. per dose 50 mg)

Commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are:

Question: Can you name 5 contraindications to NSAIDs?

Answer: Fig 1 lists the contraindications to NSAIDs.

Contraindications to NSAIDs include:

  1. Dehydration/hypovolaemia
  2. Renal impairment
  3. Severe asthma, aspirin sensitivity
  4. Gastric/duodenal ulcers
  5. Coagulopathy/bleeding disorders

Fig 1 Contraindications to NSAIDs

In general, NSAIDs are not recommended for use in children less than 6 months of age.