DOWNLOAD A DOSAGE CHART

Motrin (Ibuprofen)
Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Over-the-Counter Medications

Before you give your child any over-the-counter medication, be sure to note whether the product is for infants or children. Infant pain relievers are more highly concentrated than the children’s version of the same drug and should not be given to children older than three years. Always use the measuring devices that come with the products and use these devices as instructed. Never use home utensils such as spoons and never allow a child to drink directly from a medicine bottle.

We do not recommend Ibuprofen (Motrin) for children younger than 6 months.

In 2007, the FDA issued a recommendation against using over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children younger than 4 years. If your child has a cold or cough, we recommend the following alternatives to medication:

• Moisturizing the air with a vaporizer or humidifier
• Using saltwater nose drops or sprays to dry up a runny nose
• Using a rubber nose bulb to remove nasal congestion
• Propping your child’s upper body with extra pillows or elevating the head of the bed. If your child sleeps in a crib, use a wedge under the mattress to elevate your child’s head. Do not use pillows in a crib.
• Keeping your child well hydrated with extra liquids
• Bringing the child to the doctor if symptoms are severe or persist more than 7 days