Pain Relievers and Children
By Jill L. Ferguson

Your five-year-old complains of a headache. What do you do? How does the medical profession recommend you treat your child’s ailments and pains? With so many choices in the analgesic (painkiller) market today, choosing a pain relief medication can be a difficult and confusing task. There are pros and cons to each type of analgesic, and at least one of them may not be appropriate for children or teenagers. So, what are your options? Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, known best by its brand names of Tylenol and Panadol, relieves mild pain and reduces fever. According to Dr. Leora Kuttner, author of A Child in Pain: How to Help, What to Do, “Scientists still do not know exactly how it achieves both peripheral and central pain relief.” But what they do know is that this pain killer is helpful to children who are teething, who have colds and/or influenza, sore throats, sinus pressure and fevers 102 degrees Fahrenheit and below.

Acetaminophen is recommended for people who cannot take aspirin due to aspirin-related allergies, sensitive or easily irritated stomachs or ringing in the ears. Acetaminophen contains no aspirin. It is safe for use by infants, children and teenagers.

A possible side effect of using acetaminophen-based products is that high doses or regular-long-term use can cause liver damage, so it should not be used by anyone with liver disease or who is anemic. Also, doctors do not recommend using Tylenol and similar products if the fever is over 102 for more than three days or for fevers that keep returning.