Betafen Plus Syrup

Ibuprofen 100 mg + Paracetamol 120 mg per 5 mL

Class: Antipyretic / Anti-inflammatory combination

Manufacturer: Beta Healthcare International Limited

Dosage Form: Oral suspension

Similar Brands:

Uses:

Symptomatic relief of mild to moderate pain and fever in children, including:

  • Fever from colds/flu, infections, teething, vaccinations, or post-immunization.
  • Pain such as headache, toothache, earache, sore throat, muscle/joint/back pain.
  • Inflammatory conditions (e.g., minor sprains, pain from injuries/cuts).
    Provides dual-action relief (paracetamol for quick fever/pain reduction; ibuprofen for added anti-inflammatory effect). Not for underlying infection treatment (use antibiotics if bacterial); not for long-term use without medical advice.

Dosage:

Oral, every 6–8 hours as needed (do not exceed 3–4 doses/24 hours; max daily limits based on weight/age). Always use provided measuring device. Typical weight/age-based (consult doctor/pharmacist; examples from regional sources):

  • Children 1–2 years (approx. 8–12 kg): 2.5–5 mL three times daily.
  • Children 3–7 years (approx. 12–22 kg): 5 mL three times daily.
  • Children 8–12 years (approx. 22–40 kg): 10 mL three times daily.
    Not for infants under 1 year (or <3 months) without doctor advice. Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3 days for fever); consult if persistent. Give with food/milk if GI upset occurs.

Side Effects:

Common (mild/transient): Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain/upset, diarrhea/constipation, rash.
Less common: Heartburn, headache, dizziness.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), GI bleeding/ulcers (black stools, vomiting blood), liver damage (jaundice, dark urine—overdose risk), kidney issues, asthma worsening (ibuprofen sensitivity), or Reye’s syndrome risk (avoid in viral illnesses with fever in children <16 years if aspirin-like concerns).

Warnings & Precautions:

Do not give if allergic to ibuprofen, paracetamol, NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin), or excipients.
Not safe for children under 1 year (or <3 months) without doctor.
Avoid in dehydration, chickenpox/varicella (ibuprofen risk of complications), asthma (may trigger), stomach ulcers/bleeding history, severe liver/kidney/heart disease.
Do not combine with other paracetamol/ibuprofen-containing meds (overdose risk).
Monitor for persistent fever >3 days, worsening symptoms, or signs of infection.
Use lowest effective dose/shortest duration.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Pregnancy: Not applicable (pediatric product); adult use of ibuprofen/paracetamol combo generally avoided in third trimester (ibuprofen risks).
Lactation: Low amounts pass into milk; short-term low-dose ok but consult provider (monitor infant).

Drug Interactions:

Other NSAIDs/paracetamol products: Increased toxicity risk.
Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin): Bleeding risk.
Corticosteroids/diuretics: GI/renal risks.
Methotrexate/lithium: Increased levels/toxicity.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to ibuprofen, paracetamol, or NSAIDs.
Active GI bleeding/ulcer, severe liver/kidney/heart failure.
Children under 1 year (or per label).
Third-trimester pregnancy (ibuprofen component).

Price: Ksh 150/- (Betafen Plus Syrup 100ml), 100/- (Betafen Plus Syrup 60ml)

Notes:

Do not exceed recommended doses or combine with other paracetamol/ibuprofen products.