Understanding Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines for Children

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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. However, OTC does not mean risk-free. Like prescription medicines, OTC medicines can be harmful if they are not used correctly.

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Always talk with your child’s healthcare provider before giving your child any medicine, especially the first time.

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Read the “Drug Facts” Label

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All OTC medicines include a Drug Facts label on the package. This label provides important information, including:

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• What the medicine treats

• How to use it

• Active ingredients

• Possible warnings and side effects

Before giving medicine, read the label carefully and follow the instructions.

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To find the correct dose:

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• Use your child’s weight whenever possible.

• If weight information is not available, use your child’s age.

• Check that the medicine is safe for your child’s age, especially for infants and children younger than 2 years old.

If you are unsure, ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist.

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist

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Before giving your child any medicine, make sure you understand how to use it. Ask:

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• How will this medicine help my child?

• Can you show me how to give this medicine correctly?

• How much medicine should I give, how often, and for how long?

• Are there any possible side effects?

• Where can I learn more about this medicine?

• What should I do if my child spits out the medicine?

• Is this medicine available as a liquid or chewable tablet?

Always tell your child’s doctor or pharmacist:

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• About any other medicines your child is taking.

• If your child has ever had a reaction or side effect from a medicine.

Call Your Child’s Doctor Right Away If:

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Contact your child’s healthcare provider if your child:

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• Vomits repeatedly after taking medicine

• Develops a rash after taking medicine

Even medicines that are safe for many children can cause an allergic reaction in some children. Report any unusual symptoms or side effects.

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Medicines for Pain and Fever

Two common OTC medicines used for children are:

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• Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®)

• Ibuprofen (such as Advil® or Motrin®)

These medicines can help reduce fever and relieve pain from:

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• Headaches

• Body aches

• Minor injuries

• Soreness after shots

Ask your child’s healthcare provider which medicine is best for your child.

Important Safety Information

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• Do not give ibuprofen to babies younger than 6 months old unless directed by a healthcare provider.

• Talk with your child’s doctor before giving ibuprofen if your child has kidney disease, asthma, ulcers, or another long-term health condition.

• Do not give acetaminophen or ibuprofen together with other OTC medicines unless your child’s doctor says it is safe. Many combination medicines may contain the same ingredients, which can lead to giving too much.

A Warning About Aspirin

Do not give aspirin to children unless your child’s healthcare provider specifically says it is safe.

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Aspirin can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye syndrome, especially when given to children with illnesses such as the flu or chickenpox.

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Ask your pharmacist if a medicine contains aspirin or aspirin-like ingredients. For more information, contact the National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation.

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What to Do If Your Child May Have Been Poisoned

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If you find your child with medicine in their mouth or an open medicine bottle, stay calm and contact the Poison Center for guidance. Do not wait until your child becomes sick to call.

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Call 911 immediately if your child:

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• Cannot be awakened or is unconscious

• Has severe trouble breathing

• Is having uncontrolled shaking or seizures

• Is acting very unusual or severely confused

Do Not Use Syrup of Ipecac

Syrup of ipecac was once used to make children vomit after swallowing poison, but it is no longer recommended.

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If you have syrup of ipecac in your home, dispose of it safely. Do not try to make your child vomit unless instructed by a medical professional.