When your child’s temperature rises suddenly, you need a fast and decisive solution. Contafever N is the first choice for many mothers and doctors, thanks to its advanced formula and potent concentration. However, be careful; this medication differs from standard painkillers, and determining its dosage requires precision based on weight, not age.
Contafever N is a pediatric syrup (sugar-free with a strawberry flavor) containing Ibuprofen at a concentration of 200 mg/5 ml. It acts as a powerful antipyretic (fever reducer), a reliever for teething pain and ear infections, and features a small but highly effective dose volume.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find:
- An exclusive dosage table (based on your child’s weight in kilograms).
- The fundamental difference between it, Brufen, and the old Contafever.
- Serious medical warnings: When is its use prohibited? (Especially for asthma patients or alongside Dolphin suppositories).
- The official price and availability in pharmacies.
What is Contafever N?
Before discussing dosages, we must understand what is inside this bottle. Contafever N belongs to a drug family called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
- Scientific Name (Active Ingredient): Ibuprofen.
- Dosage Form: Oral Suspension.
Contafever N: Difference from Traditional Types
The letter “N” in the drug’s name stands for “New Strength” or double concentration.
- Standard Medications (e.g., Old Brufen): Usually had a concentration of 100 mg per 5 ml.
- Contafever N: Concentration is 200 mg per 5 ml.
Important Note: This high concentration means your child needs only half the volume of syrup to get the same effect. Instead of giving 5 ml of another medicine, 2.5 ml of Contafever N is sufficient. This makes your task much easier if your child refuses to swallow medicine or vomits large quantities.
Additional Features (Secret Flavors)
Based on an analysis of the ingredients, this medication boasts two features every mother looks for:
- Sugar-Free: This is a core advantage. It is perfectly safe for children’s teeth (does not cause cavities) and safe for children with blood sugar issues or those following specific diets.
- Strawberry Flavor: It is manufactured with a strong strawberry flavor to overcome the pungent taste of Ibuprofen, increasing the child’s acceptance of the medicine.
Indications: When Should You Open the Bottle?
The medication works through three primary mechanisms: (Fever reducer, Pain reliever, and Anti-inflammatory). Here are the most common cases where doctors recommend using Contafever N:
- Fever and High Temperature: Highly effective in reducing fever resulting from viral infections (such as flu and colds) or bacterial infections. It is superior to Paracetamol (e.g., Cetal) in its strength for stubborn or high fevers (above 38.5°C).
- Teething Pain Relief: Every mother’s nightmare. The medication helps soothe gum inflammation and relieve the pain associated with erupting teeth, helping the child (and you) sleep at night.
- Ear and Throat Infections: Used as supportive treatment to relieve severe pain associated with Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media) or Tonsillitis, until the antibiotic (if prescribed) takes effect.
- Post-Injury Pain Relief: If your child suffers a bruise, minor sprain, or a fall, Ibuprofen is the ideal choice because it treats swelling and inflammation, not just pain.
Important Warning Regarding Vaccinations: Can it be used with 2-month and 4-month vaccinations? The short answer is: Yes, but with conditions. Do not use it before vaccination as a preventative measure; use it only after vaccination if a fever occurs and the child is in pain.
Comprehensive Dosage Guide
The golden rule in pediatrics is: Treat the child according to their weight, not their age. Relying on age alone may lead to giving an under-effective dose that won’t break the fever, or a higher dose than allowed, which could harm the kidneys.
Manual Dosage Calculation (For those interested)
Doctors calculate the dose based on a range of 5 to 10 mg per kilogram of the child’s weight per single dose. Since Contafever N is highly concentrated (200 mg/5 ml), the simplified approximate equation for mothers is:
Child’s weight in kg ÷ 4 = Dosage in milliliters (approximately)
Example: If your child weighs 20 kg, divide 20 by 4, resulting in 5 ml per dose.
Contafever N Dosage Table (By Weight)
To make it easier for you, we have prepared this ready-to-use table. Find your child’s weight in the first column to determine the appropriate dose.
| Child’s Weight (kg) | Suggested Dose (ml) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 kg | 1.5 ml to 2 ml | Every 6 to 8 hours |
| 8 to 10 kg | 2 ml to 2.5 ml | Every 6 to 8 hours |
| 10 to 15 kg | 2.5 ml to 3.75 ml | Every 6 to 8 hours |
| 15 to 20 kg | 3.75 ml to 5 ml | Every 6 to 8 hours |
| 20 to 30 kg | 5 ml to 7.5 ml | Every 6 to 8 hours |
| 30 to 40 kg | 7.5 ml to 10 ml | Every 6 to 8 hours |
| Over 40 kg | Tablets (400 mg) can be used | As needed |
- Preferably use a graduated medical syringe to measure small doses (like 1.5 or 2.5 ml) accurately; household spoons are completely inaccurate.
- The maximum is 4 times daily, and the interval between doses must not be less than 6 hours to avoid straining the stomach and kidneys.
Contafever N for Infants: Is It Allowed?
A very common question: Can this medicine be given to newborns?
The definitive answer is: Contafever N (or any Ibuprofen) is NOT recommended for children under 6 months of age or weighing less than 5 kg except by order of a specialist. At this young age, Paracetamol (e.g., Cetal or Paramol) is preferred as the first and safer option, as an infant’s kidneys before 6 months may not handle Ibuprofen with full efficiency.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If a dose is due and you forget it, give it as soon as you remember, provided the next dose is not very close (less than 2 hours away). In that case, skip the missed dose and wait for the next scheduled time. Never double the dose to compensate for a missed one, as this increases the risk of toxicity.
How to Use Contafever N Correctly?
To get the best result and avoid digestive issues, pediatricians recommend these steps:
- Shake the bottle well before every dose: This is a medical necessity. Contafever N is a “Suspension,” meaning active particles settle at the bottom. Without shaking, the first doses will be just syrup without medicine, and the final doses will be dangerously concentrated. Shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds.
- Timing: After meals, not before: Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining if taken on an empty stomach. Always give it after nursing or a light snack.
- Use the correct measuring tool: Discard kitchen spoons. Use the graduated syringe or measuring cup provided with the bottle for milliliter accuracy.
Contraindications: When is Contafever N Dangerous?
You must stop using it and consult a doctor in the following cases:
- Asthma and Respiratory Allergy Patients: Many children with asthma are sensitive to Ibuprofen and Aspirin. It may trigger an acute shortness of breath (bronchospasm). Paracetamol is the safe alternative.
- Severe Dehydration: If the child has severe diarrhea or vomiting, they lose fluids. This reduces blood flow to the kidneys, and giving Ibuprofen during dehydration increases the burden on the kidneys and may lead to acute kidney failure. Rehydrate first.
- Stomach Ulcers and Bleeding Issues: Prohibited for children with active stomach ulcers or blood clotting disorders.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- Pregnancy: Strictly prohibited during the last three months of pregnancy as it may affect the fetus’s heart or delay labor.
- Breastfeeding: Considered safe for breastfeeding mothers at standard doses.
Potential Side Effects
Some minor side effects may appear, such as:
- Mild stomach pain or nausea (avoided by taking it after food).
- Mild headache or dizziness.
Note: If you notice a sudden rash, swelling of the face/lips, or difficulty breathing, these are signs of an allergy—seek emergency care immediately.
Drug Interactions: Medications Not to Mix with Contafever N
Contafever N with Dolphin Suppositories (The Greatest Danger)
Never alternate between them closely. Both belong to the same family (NSAIDs). Combining them is like giving a double dose, placing a heavy load on the kidneys and increasing stomach bleeding risks. The safe protocol is alternating with Paracetamol (e.g., Cetal) every 4 hours.
- Aspirin and Blood Thinners: Increases the likelihood of internal bleeding.
- Cortisone Medications: May increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
Price and Packaging (2026 Update)
- Official Price: Currently 33 Egyptian Pounds (Prices may change per Ministry of Health decisions).
- Volume: Plastic bottle containing 120 ml of suspension.
- Manufacturer: Sigma Pharmaceutical Industries for Al Mostaqbal.
- English Name: Contafever N Suspension.
Storage and Validity
- Temperature: Store at room temperature (not exceeding 30°C). In hot summers, the refrigerator door (not the freezer) is preferred.
- Validity after opening: While the printed date is for a closed bottle, the general rule for syrups is 6 months after opening, provided it is tightly closed and kept away from moisture and sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cause drowsiness?
No. It is not a sedative. If a child sleeps, it is due to relief from the pain that was keeping them awake.
Can I alternate between Contafever N and Cetal?
Yes, safely. Give one, then the other after 4 hours. This is safe as the active ingredients are different.
Is it an antibiotic?
No. It treats pain and fever, not bacteria.
When does the effect start?
Usually within 20-30 minutes, lasting for 6-8 hours.
My child drank the whole bottle by mistake!
This is a medical emergency. Go to the nearest Poison Control Center or emergency room immediately and take the bottle with you.
