Why might acetaminophen be preferred over ibuprofen for a child after abdominal surgery?

Acetaminophen is often preferred over ibuprofen for a child after abdominal surgery primarily because it does not affect bleeding time. Ibuprofen, being a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, which can affect platelet function and increase the risk of bleeding. This is particularly important in a post-surgical patient, where even small alterations in bleeding risk can complicate recovery.

Acetaminophen, on the other hand, works primarily through central mechanisms in the brain to reduce pain and fever but does not have the same anti-inflammatory action as NSAIDs. Consequently, it is less likely to interfere with coagulation and is thus viewed as a safer option for managing pain in the immediate postoperative setting. This makes it a sensible first-line analgesic for children recovering from abdominal surgery, where maintaining hemostasis is critical to avoid complications.