Ibuprofen For Children Oral Suspension
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Care Ibuprofen for Children Oral Suspension
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Ibuprofen 100 mg / 5ml
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Oral Suspension
A white, opaque smooth suspension.
4.1 Therapeutic Indications
For reduction of fever (including post immunisation fever) and relief of mild to moderate pain such as headache, sore throat, teething pain and toothache, cold and flu symptoms, minor aches and sprains.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
To be taken with or after food.
For oral administration and short term use only.
Children 8 to 12 years: 10ml three to four times daily.
Children 3 to 7 years: 5ml three to four times daily.
Children 1 to 2 years: 2.5ml three to four times daily.
Infants 6 to 12 months: 2.5ml three times daily.
If this medicinal product is required for more than 3 days, or if symptoms worsen a doctor should be consulted.
Not to be given to children under six months of age except on the advice of a doctor.
For post immunisation fever: 2.5ml followed by one further 2.5ml 6 hours later, if necessary. No more than 2 doses in 24 hours. If fever is not reduced, consult your doctor.
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.4).
4.3 Contraindications
Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Ibuprofen, Aspirin or any of the product’s constituents.
Patients with a history of bronchospasm, rhinitis or urticaria particularly associated with therapy with aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Active or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).
History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy.
Severe heart failure (NYHA Class IV), renal failure or hepatic failure (see section 4.4).
Last trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6).
Children under 6 months.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see GI and cardiovascular risks below).
Should be used with care in patients with renal, hepatic or cardiac impairment as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may result in the deterioration of renal function. The dose should be kept as low as possible.
For short term use only.
The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDS especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal
Respiratory:
In patients suffering from or with a previous history of bronchial asthma or allergic disease, bronchospasm may be precipitated.
Other NSAIDS:
The use of Junior Ibuprofen for Children 100mg/5ml (Care Ibuprofen for Children Oral Suspension) with concomitant NSAIDS including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided (see section 4.5)
SLE and mixed connective tissue disease:
Systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease - increased risk of aseptic meningitis (see section 4.8).
Renal:
Renal impairment as renal function may further deteriorate (see sections 4.3 and 4.8). There is a risk of renal impairment in dehydrated children.
Hepatic:
Hepatic dysfunction (see sections 4.3 and 4.8).
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects
Caution (discussion with doctor or pharmacist) is required prior to starting treatment in patients with a history of hypertension and / or heart failure as fluid retention, hypertension and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.
Clinical studies suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at high doses (2400mg daily) and in long-term treatment may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). Overall, epidemiological studies do not suggest that low dose ibuprofen (e.g. < 1200mg daily) is associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events.
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure (NYHA II-III), established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with ibuprofen after careful consideration and high doses (2400 mg/day) should be avoided.
Careful consideration should also be exercised before initiating long-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular events (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking), particularly if high doses of ibuprofen (2400 mg/day) are required.
Impaired female fertility:
There is limited evidence that drugs which inhibit cyclo-oxygenase / prostaglandin synthesis may cause impairment of female fertility by an effect on ovulation. This is reversible upon withdrawal of treatment.
Gastrointestinal:
NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated (see section 4.8).
GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDS at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events.
The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation (see section 4.3.) and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available.
Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding) particularly at the initial stages of treatment.
Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or antiplatelet agents such as aspirin (see section 4.5)
When bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving ibuprofen, the treatment should be withdrawn.
Dermatological:
Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDS (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Junior Ibuprofen Suspension 100mg/5ml (Care Ibuprofen for Children Oral Suspension) should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity
The label will include:
Read the enclosed leaflet before taking this product.
Do not give to your child if they:
• have (or have had two or more episodes of) a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding
• are allergic to ibuprofen or any other ingredients of the product, aspirin or other related painkillers
• are taking other NSAID painkillers, or aspirin with a daily dose above 75mg
Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking, if the person taking the product:
• Has or has had asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a stroke, heart, liver, kidney or bowel problems
• are a smoker
• are pregnant
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor
This product is intended for children aged between 6 months and 12 years.
If you are an adult taking this product:
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking if;
You are pregnant; you are trying to get pregnant; are elderly; are a smoker
Do not exceed the stated dose
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Ibuprofen should be avoided in combination with:
Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin): Unless low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (not above 75mg daily) has been advised by a doctor, concomitant administration of ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects (see section 4.4).
Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may competitively inhibit the effect of low dose acetylsalicylic acid on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. Although there are uncertainties regarding extrapolation of these ex-vivo data to the clinical situation, the possibility that regular, long-term use of ibuprofen may reduce the cardioprotective effect of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid cannot be excluded. No clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use (see section 5.1)
Other NSAIDS including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs as this may increase the risk of adverse effects (see section 4.4).
Ibuprofen should be used with caution in combination with:
Anticoagulants: NSAIDS may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants, such as warfarin (see section 4.4).
Antihypertensives and diuretics: NSAIDs may diminish the effect of these drugs and may cause hyperkalemia in patients under these treatments. Diuretics can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.
Corticosteroids: Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (see section 4.4).
Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4)
Cardiac glycosides: NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma glycoside levels.
Lithium: There is evidence for potential increases in plasma levels of lithium. Methotrexate: There is a potential for an increase in plasma methotrexate.
Ciclosporin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Mifepristone: NSAIDs should not be used for 8-12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.
Tacrolimus: Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus.
Zidovudine: Increased risk of haematological toxicity when NSAIDs are given with zidovudine. There is evidence of an increased risk of haemarthroses and haematoma in HIV(+) haemophiliacs receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen.
Quinolone antibiotics: Animal data indicate that NSAIDs can increase the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone antibiotics. Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.
4.6 Pregnancy and lactation
Whilst no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in animal studies, the use of Ibuprofen should, if possible, be avoided during the first 6 months of pregnancy.
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During the 3 trimester, ibuprofen is contraindicated as there is a risk of premature closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus with possible persistent
pulmonary hypertension. The onset of labour may be delayed and the duration
increased with an increased bleeding tendency in both mother and child. (see
section 4.3).
In limited studies, ibuprofen appears in the breast milk in very low concentration and is unlikely to affect the breast-fed infant adversely.
See section 4.4 regarding female fertility
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Dizziness and headache have been reported rarely with Ibuprofen, which will affect the ability to drive and operate machinery; patients should be warned not to drive or operate machinery if these side effects are experienced. Not applicable in children under 12 years.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with Ibuprofen. These may consist of:
a) non-specific allergic reactions and anaphylaxis,
b) respiratory tract reactivity comprising of asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm or dyspnoea, or
c) various skin reactions, e.g., pruritis, urticaria, angiodema and, more rarely exfoliative and bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).
The following list of adverse effects relates to those experienced with ibuprofen at OTC doses, for short-term use. In the treatment of chronic conditions, under longterm treatment, additional adverse effects may occur.
Hypersensitivity reactions:
Uncommon: Hypersensitivity reactions with urticaria and pruritus.
Very rare: severe hypersensitivity reactions. Symptoms could be: facial, tongue and laryngeal swelling, dyspnoea, tachycardia, hypotension, (anaphylaxis, angioedema or severe shock).
Exacerbation of asthma and bronchospasm.
Gastrointestinal:
The most commonly-observed adverse events are gastrointestinal in nature. Uncommon: abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsia.
Rare: diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation and vomiting
Very rare: peptic ulcer, perforation or gastrointestinal haemorrhage, melaena, haematemesis, sometimes fatal, particularly in the elderly. Ulcerative stomatitis, gastritis. Exacerbation of colitis and Crohn’s disease (see section 4.4).
Nervous System:
Uncommon: Headache and dizziness
Very rare: Aseptic meningitis - single cases have been reported very rarely.
Renal:
Very rare: Acute renal failure, papillary necrosis, especially in long-term use, associated with increased serum urea and oedema.
Hepatic:
Very rare: liver disorders.
Haematological:
Very rare: Haematopoietic disorders (anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis). First signs are: fever, sore throat, superficial mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms, severe exhaustion, unexplained bleeding, bruising and purpura.
Dermatological:
Uncommon: Various skin rashes
Very rare: Severe forms of skin reactions such as bullous reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, erythema multiforme and toxic epidermal necrolysis can occur.
Immune System:
In patients with existing auto-immune disorders (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease) during treatment with ibuprofen, single cases of symptoms of aseptic meningitis, such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation have been observed (see section 4.4).
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular:
Oedema, hypertension and cardiac failure have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.
Clinical studies suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at a high dose (2400 mg/day) and in long-term treatment may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) (see section 4.4).
Ear & Labyrinth disorders Rare: Hearing disturbance
Package leaflet:
Warnings
Medicines such as [product] may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack ("myocardial infarction") or stroke. Any risk is more likely with high doses and prolonged treatment. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment [x days OTC products only].
If you have heart problems, previous stroke or think that you might be at risk of these conditions (for example if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol or are a smoker) you should discuss your treatment with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects
Medicines such as [product] may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack ("myocardial infarction") or stroke.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9 Overdose
In children ingestion of more than 400 mg/kg may cause symptoms. In adults the dose response effect is less clear cut. The half-life in overdose is 1.5-3 hours.
Symptoms
Most patients who have ingested clinically important amounts of NSAIDs will develop no more than nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, or more rarely diarrhoea. Tinnitus, headache and gastrointestinal bleeding are also possible. In more serious poisoning, toxicity is seen in the central nervous system, manifesting as drowsiness, occasionally excitation and disorientation or coma. Occasionally patients develop convulsions. In serious poisoning, hyperkalaemia and/or metabolic acidosis may occur and the prothrombin time/ INR may be prolonged, probably due to interference with the actions of circulating clotting factors. Acute renal failure and liver damage may occur. Exacerbation of asthma is possible in asthmatics.
Management
Management should be symptomatic and supportive and include the maintainance of a clear airway and monitoring of cardiac and vital signs until stable. Consider oral administration of activated charcoal if the patient presents within 1 hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount. If frequent or prolonged, convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam or lorazepam. Give bronchodilators for asthma.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative NSAID that has demonstrated its efficacy by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. In humans ibuprofen reduces inflammatory pain, swellings and fever. Furthermore, ibuprofen reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation.
Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may competitively inhibit the effect of low dose acetylsalicylic acid on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. Some pharmacodynamic studies show that when single doses of ibuprofen 400mg were taken within 8 hours before or within 30 minutes after immediate release acetylsalicylic acid dosing (81mg), a decreased effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the formation of thromboxane or platelet aggregation occurred. Although there are uncertainties regarding extrapolation of these ex-vivo data to the clinical situation, the possibility that regular, long-term use of ibuprofen may reduce the cardioprotective effect of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid cannot be excluded. No clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use (see section 4.5).
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Ibuprofen is rapidly absorbed following administration and is rapidly
distributed throughout the whole body. The excretion is rapid and complete via the kidneys.
Maximum plasma concentrations are reached 45 minutes after ingestion if taken on an empty stomach. When taken with food, peak levels are observed after 1 to 2 hours. These times may vary with different dosage forms.
The half-life of ibuprofen is about 2 hours.
In limited studies, ibuprofen appears in the breast milk in very low concentrations.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
No relevant information additional to that contained elsewhere in the SPC.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Sodium Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate
Sodium Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate
Citric Acid Anhydrous
Saccharin Sodium
Sodium Benzoate
Dispersible Cellulose
Juicy Orange Flavour
Polysorbate 80
Maltitol Liquid
Xanthan Gum
Purified Water
6.2 Incompatibilities
None
6.3 Shelf life
2 years.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
100ml amber PET bottle with polypropylene child-resistant cap with tamper evident band and Saranex faced EPE liner.
A measuring spoon is provided.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
Not applicable.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Thornton & Ross Limited Linthwaite Laboratories Huddersfield HD7 5QH United Kingdom
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 00240/0132
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
13/03/2000 / 05/03/2009
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
10/03/2016