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Over-the-counter (OTC) medications 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 taken incorrectly. You need to read and understand the instructions before giving OTCs to your child.
Common OTCs for Children
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 (ie, acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
If your
child has a mild fever but is playing, drinking fluids and generally acting
well, there is 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 also can 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. Remember, the infant drops are stronger than the liquid elixir for toddlers. Some 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 his weight and age.
Ibuprofen tends to be more effective than acetaminophen in treating high fevers (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher). However, ibuprofen should only be given to children older than 6 months. Never give it to a child who is dehydrated or vomiting continuously. If your child has a kidney disease, asthma, an ulcer or other chronic illness, ask your pediatrician if it is safe for your child to take ibuprofen.
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, making it difficult for them to rest. For that
reason, avoid giving an antihistamine at bedtime until you know it will not make
your child have trouble sleeping.
Decongestants
Decongestants can relieve stuffiness due to allergies or
colds. However, decongestants taken by mouth can have a number of side effects.
Children taking these medications may act "hyper," feel anxious, have a racing
heart or find it difficult to sleep. These medications should be used very
sparingly.
Nose Drops (decongestant)
Decongestant nose drops can temporarily
shrink the membranes in the nose and make breathing easier. However, they should
never be given to an infant because too much of the medication can be absorbed
through the membranes of the nose. Also, the more they are used, the less
effective they become and symptoms can return or even get worse. Do not give
your child decongestant nose drops for more than two to three days unless your
pediatrician advises you to continue this treatment.
Nose Drops (saltwater/saline)
Infants and toddlers cannot blow their
nose. If your child is sleeping well and eating happily, there is no need to
treat the stuffy nose. But if your child is unable to sleep or eat because of
thick mucus, saltwater nose drops can help clear the nose. Put a drop or two
into a nostril at a time. Using a bulb syringe, squeeze the bulb first, put the
tip gently into your child's nostril, then let go. This will suction out the
drops, along with the mucus. Be careful, overuse of a bulb syringe can be
irritating to a child's nose.
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, also may help loosen mucus. However, avoid using
cough suppressants, as coughing is necessary to clear the lungs. Check with your
pediatrician before giving your child cough medicines or expectorants. Cough
syrups may not relieve cough caused by asthma.
Cold Remedies
Combinations of antihistamines and decongestants can
have side effects such as hyperactivity, sleeplessness and irritability. Giving
your child more than one cold medicine to treat different symptoms can be
dangerous. Many cold medicines contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you are
already giving your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen in addition to the cold
medicine, this can lead to overdose. Read labels carefully. Check with your
pediatrician before giving your child any cold medicines.
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.
Medications Used for Common Gastrointestinal Problems
There are many
OTCs for heartburn, gas, constipation and diarrhea. Most of these conditions
usually go away by themselves or are relieved by a temporary change in diet.
Before using any medicine for constipation or diarrhea, talk with your
pediatrician. Repeated bouts of diarrhea or chronic constipation can be caused
by serious underlying problems.