Tylenol (Acetaminophen): Acetaminophen is generally considered safe in infants and children over 2 months old but you should check with your child’s doctor for dosing instructions and never give more than 5 doses in 24 hours. It is very easy to overdose on acetaminophen, which could cause serious harm.
Motrin or Advil (Ibuprofen): Ibuprofen is considered safe for children over 6 months old but you should check with the child’s doctor for dosing instructions. Ibuprofen can sometimes cause an upset stomach so it should be avoided when a child may have stomach pain.
There is some evidence that antihistamines can make children sleepy. In some cases though, antihistamines may cause children to become restless, irritable and have difficulty sleeping.
Because of the lack of symptom relief and the potential side effects, antihistamines should not be given to a child under 4 years old and should be used with caution in older kids.
The most important thing to do is to make sure your child is staying hydrated with small sips of Gatorade (mixed half and a half with water) or Pedialyte. Pepto-Bismol should never be given to a child because it contains aspirin. If you are concerned about your child’s vomiting or diarrhea, contact his doctor.
