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Over The Counter Drugs: Which One Is Right For Your Child? by PETER ANLEY, PHARM.D. Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs can be found in our favorite grocery and convenience stores. A combination of direct consumer advertisement of OTC drugs and the need to do something for their sick child lead most parents to give OTC drugs to their children. Most conditions "treated" by these OTC drugs are not life-threatening; in many cases the OTC drugs do not really help and may cause other problems. So how do we decide what to choose to "self-treat" our children's illness without the help of a pharmacist or physician? Often we rely upon personal experience or advice from our friends or family members. I hope to pass on some common sense facts about OTC drugs used in two conditions, fever and the common cold. Fevers When a child has a fever, (rectal temperature above 100.4°F) parents may give an antipyretic (fever lowering drugs, e.g. Tylenol®, Motrin®). But does a fever really hurt a child? In most cases NO! A fever tells us the child is sick and also when he or she has gotten better. The most important treatment for most fevers is fluid to avoid dehydration. Tylenol® (acetaminophen) and Motrin®(ibuprofen) should be given to lower a fever in children who: (1) are made very uncomfortable by a fever; cranky, restless, not eating and drinking; (2) have a history of seizure with high temperatures.
Colds The common cold can cause these symptoms: fever, stuffy nose, nasal discharge, sneezing, headache, malaise, irritability and cough. Preschool children experience four to eight colds per year and these are caused by viruses. There is no cure for this viral infection; most colds are self-limiting and disappear in five to seven days without drug treatment. OTC drugs do not cure coughs and colds, they merely treat or mask the symptoms. OTC drugs such as cough suppressants (e.g. Robitussin®), decongestants (e.g. Sudafed®), and antihistamines (e.g. Benadryl®, Dimetane®) are marketed for the cough and colds alone and in combinations. Many of these products contain alcohol, usually the "elixirs." Combination products with antihistamines and cough suppressants can severely sedate many children. Making a child sleepy is not an acceptable treatment for the common cold. In fact, some medical studies have shown that these products are not beneficial for colds in preschoolers; rather pediatricians recommend saline nose drops with a bulb syringe and a vaporizer. For older children, an oral decongestant (e.g. pseudoephedrine) alone or in combination with an antihistamine (e.g. chlorpheniramine) provides symptomatic relief. Most pharmacists recommend using a single agent directed at the leading symptom, rather than the combination products. Some final suggestions for safely treating your child with any OTC drug: 1. Tell your health care professionals which OTC drugs your child is using or has used recently; OTC drugs are "real" drugs, they have drug interactions and side-effects. 2. Do not estimate the dose based on your child's size.Read the label. Follow all directions. 3. Know the difference between TBSP. (tablespoon) and TSP. (teaspoon). They are very different doses. Use a measuring spoon or dosing cup. 4. Do not double the dose just because your child seems sicker than last time. 5. Talk to a health care professional before you give your child two medicines together. 6. There are age limits on the label. Follow them. 7. Never let children take medicine by themselves and never call medicine "candy." 8. Read a product's indications (what the medicine is for), usual dosage (directions) and warnings (when to stop taking the medicine; when to see a physician; possible side effects). [ top ] |
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Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are very effective at reducing a fever with a single dose for four to six hours. However, both drugs have the potential to cause side effects: an acetaminophen overdose can damage the liver. To avoid unintentional overdoses, care needs to be taken in measuring the right dose of acetaminophen for your child, because there are many different types (see Chart). Ibuprofen can cause heartburn, kidney damage, rash, dizziness, and stomach/intestinal ulcers and/or bleeding. Usually acetaminophen and ibuprofen are well tolerated, but side effects can happen. Remember aspirin should not be used in children with a viral illness because of the risk of Reye Syndrome.
