When your child isn't feeling well, you want to do everything you can to help their health improve. Before you automatically reach for something in the medicine cabinet, though, check with your pediatrician first to make sure you’re giving the right dose of the right medication. Even medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) can have some serious side effects if given incorrectly. 

When Do I Give My Child These Drugs?

Medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are usually given to children to help reduce fever or relieve pain or inflammation. However, pediatricians recommend giving your child medication only if their fever is over 102 degrees—and only if they are older than six months.

Call your doctor if they have extreme pain, seem especially lethargic, or have a fever above 100.4 that doesn’t respond to the medication or lasts longer than three days. Otherwise, for mild fevers, give them plenty of fluids and encourage them to rest.

How Much Medication Should I Give My Child?

The correct amount of ibuprofen or acetaminophen to administer depends on your child’s weight. Closely adhere to the recommended dosage listed on the package or your pediatrician’s instructions.

Always use the cup or syringe that comes with the medication as it’s specifically marked with the correct dosage increments. Although most children’s over-the-counter pain relievers are measured in 5mL doses (which equals 160 mg of the active ingredient), do not use kitchen spoons to administer medication, as they may be less accurate.

Jot down the time when you gave your child the medication, and how much, to ensure that you space doses correctly. Never give your child more than five doses in a 24 hour period. 

What Else Should I Know? 

Too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, while ibuprofen overdosing can cause problems with the kidney and stomach. Be careful to measure doses and time them correctly. Avoid giving either of these ingredients alongside other medicines containing them as well. For example, do not give your child Tylenol and a multi-symptom cold medicine containing acetaminophen.

If your child isn’t feeling well, call a pediatrician for advice before giving them medication. If you live in the Hastings, NE, area, the team at Children & Adolescent Clinic PC is prepared to give you expert advice and top-quality care. Call (402) 463-6828 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their capabilities.