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River Valley Pediatrics |
531 Central Park Avenue, Suite 102
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Over the Counter Medication/Dosing Charts Ibuprofen
All medications, even the most benign, can have side-effects and should only be used as necessary. Ibuprofen comes in different brands and in different forms. Advil and Motrin are two different brands of Ibuprofen and can be used interchangeably. Ibuprofen should not be used in babies under 6 months of age. Ibuprofen can be used every 6 hours for the treatment of fever or pain. It can upset the stomach so can be taken with a small amount of food. If you are using Ibuprofen every 6 hours for more than 24 hours you should call our office. Dosing for CHILDREN'S Ibuprofen (not Infant's) is according to weight and as follows:
Tylenol, also known as Acetaminophen, can be used for fevers and for pain. We do not recommend using Tylenol under the age of 2 months. Tylenol can be used every 4 hours, but there should be no more than 4 doses given in 24 hours. Tylenol and Ibuprofen work in different ways, and technically could be used at the same time. This is usually unnecessary, and can result in over-medication. If a child on Ibuprofen has a high fever, is uncomfortable, and is not due for another dose for several hours, a dose of Tylenol can be given to bridge the gap. However, we do not recommend doing this on a regular basis, as most children do not need this much medication. Tylenol comes in several different formulations, based on the age and abilities of the child. Look very carefully at the label before giving any of these products.
If any medications are used continuously for greater than 24 hours call our office. Aspirin should never be given to a child unless specifically directed by a doctor. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can be used for mild itching and mild allergic reactions. Benadryl comes in a liquid as 12.5mg/1teaspoon. It can be given every 6 hours as needed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of cough and cold medications for children, especially not under the age of 2. There have been no studies demonstrating that these products work at all for children. Moreover, the ingredients in these preparations can cause harmful side effects for children. Old-fashioned supportive care has been shown to make children more comfortable while the body fights off a cold virus. These measures include plenty of fluids, shower steam or a humidifier, nasal saline drops, and elevation of the head while sleeping. Limited studies have demonstrated some benefit of a teaspoon of honey given every few hours to help symptoms of cough. Honey should not be given under the age of one year.
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