Ibuprofen belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs for short). In low doses, NSAIDs are painkillers. In higher doses, they also reduce inflammation (swelling and redness).

There are many ibuprofen products that you can buy without a prescription. For stronger ones, your doctor can give you a prescription.

Here are some examples of ibuprofen products for infants and children that you might find at your drugstore:

• Children's Advil (chewable tablets or liquid)
• Infants' Advil (drops to put in the mouth)
• Children's Motrin (chewable tablets or liquid)
• Infants' Motrin (drops to put in the mouth)

Ibuprofen can help ease your child's pain. In one study of children with ear infections, around 9 out of 10 parents noticed their child's pain was better after taking ibuprofen for two days. (The children were also taking antibiotics.)

When your child's ear is infected with a virus or bacteria, his or her body makes chemicals to fight off the infection. This causes inflammation. If your child's ear is inflamed, parts of it might be:

• Painful
• Red
• Hot
• Swollen

When you give your child ibuprofen, it calms nerve endings and stops the chemicals from causing inflammation. That's why ibuprofen work well against pain when there's also inflammation.

Some children may feel sick to their stomach, vomit or have stomach pain after taking ibuprofen. Usually these problems are mild and won't stop your child from taking the medication.

You might be able to keep your child from getting these problems by giving him or her the medication soon after meals or with food or milk.