Symptom Guide

Over-the-Counter Medicine Safety for Children

This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. If your child is sick, call our office.

Why this matters

Over-the-counter medicines are the most common cause of childhood poisoning in the United States. Even at recommended doses, some medicines are not safe for young children. Knowing age limits, correct dosing, and which products to avoid can prevent a trip to the emergency room.

Cough and cold medicine

Under age 4: do NOT give any cough or cold medicine. This includes decongestants, antihistamines in cold formulas, and cough suppressants.
Ages 4–6: only if your doctor specifically recommends it
Age 6 and older: follow the package directions for the children’s version
These products have not been proven to help young children and can cause serious side effects including rapid heart rate and seizures

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Safe for infants 12 weeks and older
Do NOT give to babies under 12 weeks without calling your doctor first
Dose by weight first, then by age. Use the syringe or cup that comes in the box — never a household spoon.
Can be given every 4 hours, no more than 5 doses in 24 hours
Infant’s and Children’s liquid are now the same concentration (160 mg per 5 mL)

Ibuprofen (Advil / Motrin)

NEVER give to babies under 6 months old
Avoid in children with kidney problems, asthma triggered by NSAIDs, stomach ulcers, or dehydration
Can be given every 6–8 hours as needed
Always give with food to reduce stomach irritation
Dose by weight first, then by age

Aspirin warning

NEVER give aspirin or products containing aspirin to anyone under 18 years old
Aspirin in children with viral illnesses (flu, chickenpox) is linked to Reye syndrome — a rare but potentially fatal condition affecting the liver and brain
Check labels: aspirin is also called acetylsalicylic acid and is found in some combination products like Pepto-Bismol

Honey for cough

NEVER give honey to a child under 1 year old — risk of infant botulism
Ages 1 and older: 2–5 mL (half to one teaspoon) of honey as needed for cough
Studies show honey works about as well as most OTC cough syrups for children

Common mistakes to avoid

Double-dosing: when multiple caregivers each give a dose without checking with each other. Write down the time and dose every time.
Overlapping ingredients: a cold medicine that contains acetaminophen plus a separate dose of Tylenol means your child gets a double dose of acetaminophen. Always read the active ingredients on every label.
Using adult formulations for children — concentrations differ and can lead to overdose
Using a kitchen spoon instead of the measuring device that comes with the medicine
Giving medicine “to be safe” when your child does not have symptoms that need treatment — a low fever (under 102°F) in a comfortable child may not need medicine

When to call us

You are not sure which medicine or dose is right for your child’s weight
Your child accidentally took too much medicine or the wrong medicine
You are unsure if two medicines can be given together
Symptoms are not improving after 2–3 days of treatment

Poison control

If your child swallows a medicine by accident, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. This line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Save this number in your phone.

Sources

Questions about the right medicine or dose? Call us.

Call 908-755-5437