Health Tip: Giving Pain Medication to Your Child

Speak to your doctor first

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(HealthDay News) - Giving your child medications, even over-the-counter medicines, should always be carefully monitored by your doctor.

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The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions before you give any pain medication to your child:

• If a person younger than age 18 has the flu or chickenpox, never give the person aspirin, which could lead to a rare but deadly condition called Reye's Syndrome.
• Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) is a generally safe painkiller for young children.
• Be careful about giving ibuprofen to children who are allergic to aspirin, as they may also be allergic to ibuprofen.
• Pain relievers may be dangerous for children with asthma, so don't administer them without a doctor's consent.
• Be careful not to give your child too much of the same medication. Sometimes the same active ingredient can be found in more than one medication.

-- Diana Kohnle