Dangerous Side Effects of Ibuprofen in Children

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, commonly known as NSAID, that can be used to lessen pain and reduce inflammation. It may be recommended for children to avoid the possibility of aspirin induced Reye's syndrome. It is also effective with conditions peculiar to children such as juvenile arthritis, according to MayoClinic.com. Precautions should be taken with side effects that could be dangerous.

Stomach Bleeding

Children who take ibuprofen could suffer serious bleeding as a side effect. The bleeding could be set off in the stomach, or existing ulcers in the stomach could be worsened by taking the drug. Bloody or blackened stool may indicate this dangerous side effect. Drugs.com states stomach bleeding could also be set off because another NSAID, aspirin or blood thinner is part of the child's medication regimen. Bloody vomit, a stomach ache that doesn't get better and feeling faint are other indicators of stomach bleeding.

Liver Problems

Serious liver problems such as jaundice and hepatitis are possible side effects from children taking ibuprofen. Drugs.com states as many as 15 percent of patients showed elevated liver function and jaundice, hepatitis, hepatic failure and cholestasis were rare maladies that resulted. Vanishing bile duct syndrome and chronic hepatitis C infections were also reported.

Allergic Reaction

While any drug may rarely cause a possible life-threatening anaphylactic reaction, children known to have an allergic reaction to aspirin may be especially susceptible to ibuprofen allergy attack. If a child reacts with trouble breathing, facial swelling, hives, closing throat or reddening skin, Drugs.com states immediate medical intervention is called for.

Infant Danger

Side effects for administering ibuprofen to infants younger than 6 months of age could be serious. MayoClinic.com states that due to the lack of research with children younger than 6 months of age, ibuprofen should not be used for children that young. Neither the safety of the drug with infants nor its effectiveness has been established.