SEATTLE — As cold and flu season hits, some parents might be left wondering which over-the-counter medications are best for their children, particularly for infants.
There is a plethora of OTC medication available at the pharmacy from child Tylenol to Advil, but not all meds are equally recommended for younger kids.
The age of the child and dosage accuracy are important things parents should consider while giving OTC meds to their child.
"First of all that, it's good to know the definition of a fever," said Rachel Patterson, a clinical pediatric pharmacist at MultiCare in Tacoma.
Patterson shared some insights into managing fever, which is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit when taken with an oral thermometer. She recommends every household have a thermometer on hand to accurately assess a child's temperature.
For newborn babies under 28 days old, she stressed that any fever warrants a visit to the doctor. For older children, parents may consider medication to treat fevers and other flu or cold symptoms.
As for which medication is recommended, Patterson said it's important to know when to give Tylenol, a brand of acetaminophen, or Advil, a brand of ibuprofen.
"It can be important to know when to give Tylenol or ibuprofen to your child," Patterson said.
Ibuprofen falls under the family of fever and pain reducers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, which has the possibility of causing bleeding issues in babies.
For older babies and children, ibuprofen, sold under the brand name Advil, can be effective, but should only be used for children over six months of age. In contrast, Tylenol is safe for use in children of all ages, including newborns.
When it comes to administering medication, Patterson advises parents to carefully follow the dosing instructions provided on the packaging. If a medication includes a dosing cup or syringe, those should be used to measure the correct amount. Using household spoons or teaspoons can result in inaccurate doses.
With proper guidance, parents can help alleviate their child's discomfort during illness, ensuring they receive the appropriate medication for their symptoms.