Over The Counter (OTCs) Medications for Children

Over-the-counter medications (OTCs) are available without a doctor's prescription, but like prescription medications, OTCs can be dangerous if misused. Parents need to check with their pediatricians before administering any medications to their children, and then carefully follow instructions.

Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used (without side effects) for fevers that are accompanied by headache, body aches and/or irritability. They can help relieve minor pain from bumps or soreness from an immunization. Both medications come in the following forms:

Drops for infants (note that these are stronger than the liquid form for toddlers)

Liquid (elixir) for toddlers

Chewable tablets for older children

Suppositories for children who can't keep food down

Ibuprofen tends to be more effective in treating fevers of 103 or higher. However, ibuprofen should not be given to a dehydrated or continuously vomiting child, any child sensitive to aspirin, or any child with asthma, a kidney disease or an ulcer. Ibuprofen should not be given in conjunction with any other pain reliever unless specified by a doctor.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can relieve runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing due to allergies (not colds). They also help with itching caused by chickenpox and insect bites, and may control hives and other allergic reactions.

Side effects

Some children get sleepy while some get irritable and nervous. So don't administer for the first time just before bed since your child may not sleep. If your child has asthma, check with the doctor before using an antihistamine.

Mild Cortisone Cream

A mild cortisone cream helps soothe insect bites, mild skin rashes, poison ivy and small patches of eczema. Never use it for chickenpox, burns, infections, open wounds or broken skin, and check with your pediatrician before applying it to your child's face or using it repeatedly.

Cough Syrups

Coughing helps the lungs expel germs. It is called "productive" if it brings mucus up. Mucus can be loosened best by humidifying the air in your child's bedroom. Among the cough medications available are:

Expectorants which may help loosen mucus

Cough suppressants which should be avoided if possible (or used as necessary at night so your child can sleep)

Cough syrups, which may not relieve coughs caused by asthma

Cold Remedies

Check with your pediatrician before giving any cold remedy to your child. There are many complications.

Giving a child more than one cold medication for different symptoms can be dangerous because some of the same ingredients may be present in each product (acetaminophen, for example) and could lead to overdosing.

Combining antihistamines and decongestants can produce hyperactivity, sleeplessness and irritability.

Nose Drops (Saltwater/Saline)

If your infant's or toddler's "plugged" nose prevents sleep, saltwater nose drops might offer relief. Put 1 or 2 drops into a nostril. Using a bulb syringe, squeeze the bulb, put tip gently into nostril, and let bulb go. This will suction out the mucus and the drops. Repeat in other nostril.

Nose Drops (Decongestant) - Not for Infants

Decongestant nose drops can be used briefly if your child's stuffy nose prevents eating or sleeping. Use sparingly. These become less effective the more they are used.

Medications for GI Problems

There are many over-the-counter medications for heart-burn, gas, constipation and diarrhea, but most of these problems resolve themselves without medication.

Before using any medication for constipation or diarrhea, check with your pediatrician. Repeated bouts of either of these conditions could be due to a serious underlying problem.