For example, Tylenol & FeverAll both contain acetaminophen. This is easiest if you minimize products with multiple active ingredients. Do not give any medications to infants less than 2 months without speaking to a doctor.
Avoid Aspirin
Children 21 years old and under should not take aspirin or products that contain aspirin. This recommendation is based on several studies that have linked aspirin to Reye’s Syndrome, a severe encephalitis-like illness.
Acetaminophen is available without a prescription. Children older than 2 months of age can be given any of the acetaminophen products (such as Tylenol or FeverAll). Give the correct dosage for your child’s weight every 4 to 6 hours.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is available without a prescription. Do not give medications containing Ibuprofen to children under 6 months of age. Give the correct dosage for your child’s weight every 6-8 hours.
View Motrin ChartDiphenhydramine is available without a prescription to use for itching with certain rashes, hives, seasonal allergies and for mild allergic reactions. It can be given every 6 to 8 hours as needed. If your child is experiencing difficulty breathing, wheezing, tongue swelling, lip tingling, vomiting, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction, call 911. Do not administer diphenhydramine to an infant or a child having a serious allergic reaction without speaking to your doctor first.
View Benadryl ChartWe do not recommend the use of decongestants or cough suppressants in children under six years of age. For children ages 4 to 6 years, cough medicine may be used only if recommended by your provider. It is unclear whether these products have any true benefit and recent studies show that there may be significant risks associated with these products in young children. If you chose to use these products in older children, please visit the manufacture’s websites for dosing information and for more information on their products. Some common brands include: Delsym, Mucinex, Triaminic, Dimetapp, Robitussin, and Sudafed.
There are all-natural cough and cold medications available for infants and children under 4 years of age. Do not give infants under 1 year of age products that contain honey. Some common brands include: Zarbee’s, Hylands and Mommy’s Bliss.
Feel free to contact us by phone or email to ask one of our friendly staff members.