The precise dosage of Contafever N (Ibuprofen 200 mg/5 ml) is primarily based on body weight, not just age. The recommended medical dosage is (5 to 10 mg per kilogram) of body weight, up to a maximum of 4 times daily.
Children’s Dosage Table (By Weight)
It is preferred to use a calibrated syringe to ensure dosage accuracy. Doses are given every 6 to 8 hours (not exceeding 4 times a day):
| Approximate Age | Weight (kg) | Dosage in Milliliters (ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months – 1 year | 6 – 10 kg | 2.5 ml (half a teaspoon) |
| 1 – 2 years | 10 – 15 kg | 2.5 ml to 3.75 ml |
| 3 – 7 years | 15 – 25 kg | 5 ml (one full teaspoon) |
| 8 – 12 years | 25 – 40 kg | 7.5 ml to 10 ml |
Important Warning: It is not recommended to use Contafever N for children under 6 months of age or weighing less than 5 kg without consulting a doctor.
Dosage for Adults and Children (Over 12 Years)
For adults and adolescents weighing more than 40 kg, the medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain and reduce fever:
- Standard Dose: 10 ml to 20 ml (equivalent to 400 – 800 mg) every 6 to 8 hours.
- Maximum Single Dose: Do not exceed 20 ml (800 mg) at one time.
Dosages for Special Populations (Elderly & Chronic Diseases)
1. The Elderly (Over 65 years):
Extreme caution is required; start with the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. The elderly are more prone to stomach bleeding, gastrointestinal ulcers, and high blood pressure resulting from the use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
2. Patients with Renal (Kidney) Impairment:
Ibuprofen byproducts are eliminated via the kidneys.
- Mild Impairment: No significant dosage adjustment is needed, but caution should be exercised.
- Moderate to Severe Impairment: The dose must be reduced or the time interval between doses increased. It is preferred to avoid the drug entirely in cases of advanced kidney failure to prevent further deterioration of kidney function.
3. Patients with Hepatic (Liver) Impairment:
- Patients do not need dosage adjustments in cases of mild liver impairment.
- A doctor must be consulted in cases of chronic or active liver disease.
Maximum Limits and Duration of Treatment
To ensure no toxicity or side effects occur, adhere to the following limits:
- Maximum Daily Dose: Do not exceed 3200 mg (equivalent to 80 ml of syrup) within 24 hours for adults, and significantly less for children (calculated based on their weight).
- Duration of Use: Do not use the medication for more than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain without consulting a doctor.
Pharmacist’s Advice (To Increase Effectiveness):
- The medication should be taken immediately after food to reduce the likelihood of stomach cramps or ulcers.
- The bottle must be shaken well before every use to ensure the active ingredient is distributed evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contafever N Dosage
To learn more about correct usage methods, read the following questions:
1. My child vomited the medicine immediately, should I repeat the dose?
This depends on the timing:
- If the child vomits within 15 minutes of taking the medicine, you can give the full dose again (as the body has not absorbed it yet).
- If more than 20-30 minutes have passed and then they vomit, do not repeat the dose. Wait for the next scheduled dose, as the medicine has likely reached the stomach and a large part of it has been absorbed; repeating it may cause an overdose.
2. Can I use a teaspoon if the calibrated syringe is lost?
Absolutely forbidden with Contafever N. The reason is that this medication is concentrated (200 mg). A slight difference in quantity means a large difference in the active ingredient. Household teaspoons vary in size (ranging from 2.5 ml to 7 ml), which may expose your child to the risk of poisoning or lack of effectiveness. Use only the included measuring cup or buy a syringe (3 ml or 5 ml) from the pharmacy.
3. The fever hasn’t dropped an hour after the dose, should I give an extra dose?
No, do not give an extra dose of Contafever N before 6 hours have passed. Ibuprofen needs time to work. If the fever does not drop, you can:
- Apply lukewarm water compresses (not ice cold) on the neck and under the armpits.
- Give a medication containing Paracetamol (like Cetal) alternately, as they can be combined safely (with a time gap), but never repeat the same Ibuprofen medication too soon.
4. How many days can I continue giving the medicine to my child?
The medical safety rule is:
- For Fever: Do not exceed 3 days. If the fever persists, this indicates an infection that requires a doctor’s diagnosis.
- For Pain: Do not exceed 10 days (for adults) or as directed by a doctor for children. Long-term use harms the stomach and kidneys.
5. Can the dose be mixed with juice or milk if the child refuses it?
Yes, the dose can be mixed with a very small amount of juice or sweetened milk to mask the taste, but on two conditions:
- The child must drink the entire amount immediately to ensure the full dose is ingested.
- Do not put it in a full milk bottle, because if the child does not finish the bottle, you will not know exactly how much medication they received.
