When a baby or child is sick, it can be a stressful time, particularly when the child gets sick in the middle of the night. None of us likes it when our children aren’t feeling well, and many of us wonder if what we’re doing to help them is the correct thing to do. It also doesn’t help that there are numerous types of medications available over the counter, all with different usages, results and side effects. In addition, we can sometimes feel confusion when it comes to the types of medications out there.
Since medicines such as NSAIDs and aspirin can potential serious side effects, more and more parents are switching to products such as over-the-counter (OTC) paracetamol. Paracetamol for children is especially effective in reducing pain and fever, and it does so in a very gentle manner. It does not upset the child’s stomach, and it is fast-acting.
The Advantages of Paracetamol
Paracetamol offers many advantages over other types of OTC medications. Paracetamol is not only effective in reducing pain and fever, but also for the discomfort associated with an earache, headaches and toothache, as well as inflammation caused by immunisations. Paracetamol also works faster than other OTC medications – usually in 30 minutes or less – and lasts up to four hours. What can be more important than this, especially when a child gets sick in the middle of the night?
Paracetamol also offers something which parents will love – it tastes good. The medicine comes in liquid form, which is easier to dispense to small children, and it is orange-flavoured. It is also colour-free, which means your child is receiving fewer chemicals than from other medications. If it tastes good, children will use it without complaining. That is a big plus when taking care of a sick child.
Paracetamol is also the only OTC medication that is recommended for very young infants, those up to three months of age. Although most companies recommend that you check with a physician before giving any infant under six months of age a pain reliever, paracetamol is extra gentle on a baby’s stomach and is very effective in reducing pain and fever.
What to Remember When Using Paracetamol
Using paracetamol will help your child feel better faster, but it does come with a few tips for better safety. These include:
- Do not give the child more than four doses in any 24-hour period;
- Do not give the child this or any other medication longer than 48 hours, unless specified by a physician;
- Never give a baby or small child any medication for adult use only; and
- Make sure the dose you’re using is accurate and correct.
When a child is sick, it is our job as parents to act quickly and in a safe manner. Giving the child a medication such as paracetamol is an excellent choice. It acts quickly, is gentle on tiny stomachs, and is available for both infants and children.