Common Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications (OTCs) can be bought at your local drug store or grocery store without a doctor's order. This does not mean that OTCs are harmless. Like prescription medications, OTCs can be very dangerous to a child if given incorrectly.

You need to read and understand the instructions before giving OTCs to your child.

The following list describes some common OTCs for children. Talk to your pediatrician before giving any medications to your child.

Fever reducer or pain reliever (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
If your child has a mild fever but is playing, drinking fluids, and generally acting well, there's no reason to treat the fever. However, if your child complains of headaches, body aches, or seems irritable, there are fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen that may help him feel better. They can also help relieve minor pain from bangs and bumps, or tenderness from an immunization.

Given in the correct dosage, acetaminophen and ibuprofen have few side effects and are quite safe. They come in drops for infants, liquid ("elixir") for toddlers, and chewable tablets for older children. Acetaminophen also comes in suppositories for the child who is vomiting and cannot keep down medicine taken by mouth. Remember, the infant drops are stronger than the liquid elixir for toddlers. Too many parents make the mistake of giving higher doses of the infant drops to a toddler thinking the drops are not as strong. Be sure the type you give your child is appropriate for her weight and age.

Ibuprofen tends to be more effective than acetaminophen in treating high fevers (103 degrees F or higher). However, never give it to a child who is dehydrated or vomiting continuously. Also, children who are sensitive to aspirin, have a kidney disease, asthma, or an ulcer should not take ibuprofen. Ibuprofen should not be used with any other pain reliever or fever reducer, unless directed by a doctor. Read the instructions and talk to your pediatrician about dosage to avoid giving your child too much for too long.

A warning about aspirin
Never give aspirin to your child unless your pediatrician specifically instructs you to use it. Aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal liver disorder, especially when given to children with the flu or chicken pox. For more information on Reye's syndrome, or for a list of medications that contain aspirin, contact the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation at 800/233-7393.

Antihistamines
Antihistamines can relieve runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing due to allergies (but not colds). They also relieve itching from chickenpox or insect bites and may even control hives or other allergic reactions. They can make some children sleepy. In other children they may cause irritability and nervousness. For that reason, avoid giving an antihistamine for the first time at bedtime. If you do, your child may have difficulty sleeping. If your child has asthma, check with your pediatrician before using antihistamines.

Mild cortisone cream
Insect bites, mild skin rashes, poison ivy, or small patches of eczema usually respond to cortisone cream. Never use it for chickenpox, burns, infections, open wounds, or broken skin. Check with your pediatrician before using it repeatedly or using it on your child's face.

Cough syrups
Coughing helps the lungs clear out germs. A cough is "productive" if it sounds like mucus is being brought up. You can best relieve it by humidifying the air in your child's bedroom to loosen mucus. Be sure to clean the humidifier frequently to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Some cough medicines, called expectorants, may also help loosen mucus. Sometimes, a cough may be dry and annoying, and may keep your child awake.

However, avoid using cough suppressants, as coughing is necessary to clear the lungs.

Check with your pediatrician before giving your child cough medicines or expec

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TV Show Excerpt - Over the Counter Medications