Over-the-counter medicines

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Drugs

(Page 2)

Both NSAIDs and acetaminophen can cause serious side effects when taken in high doses or for a long time. If you are taking pain relievers several days a week, tell your doctor. You may need to be watched for side effects.

People who need to take pain medications for headaches 3 or more days a week may get rebound headaches. See: Headache for more information about headaches and when to call your doctor.

FEVER

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help reduce fever in children and adults.

• Take acetaminophen every 4 - 6 hours. It works by turning down the brain's thermostat.
• Take ibuprofen every 6 - 8 hours. DO NOT use ibuprofen in children younger than 6 months. Know how much you or your child weighs before giving ibuprofen.

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Aspirin works very well for treating fever in adults. DO NOT give aspirin to a child unless your child's doctor tells you to give it.

See: Fever to learn how to treat a fever and when to call the doctor.

COLD, SORE THROAT, COUGH

Over-the-counter cold remedies may help ease your symptoms. They won't shorten the length of a cold, but they can help you feel better.

NOTE: Medical experts do not recommend using cough and cold drugs in children under age 6. Talk to your doctor before your child takes any type of over-the-counter cold medicine, even if it is labeled for children. These medicines likely will not work in children, and they may have serious side effects.

Cough medicines include:

• Guaifenesin: This medicine helps break up mucus. Drink lots of fluids if you take this medicine.
• Menthol throat lozenges: Halls, Robitussin, Vicks
• Liquid cough suppressants with dextromethorphan: Benylin, Delsym, Robitussin DM, Simply Cough, Vicks 44, and store brands

Decongestant pills and liquids help clear a runny nose and relieve postnasal drip:

• Check with your doctor before taking decongestants if you have high blood pressure or prostate problems.
• Oral decongestants: pseudoephedrine (Contact Non-Drowsy, Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)

Nasal spray decongestants may also help with a runny nose: