Easily determine the right dose of Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for your child's weight.
Young Pediatrics does not recommend other over-the-counter cough and cold medications. We recommend avoiding combination cold and cough medications entirely due safety concerns.
In addition to the medications below, the following over-the-counter products are considered safe and may be used at your discretion:
- Nasal Saline Spray
- Vicks Vapor Rub - use with caution for skin reactions and children with eczema
- Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly
- Zarbees - with caution to use infant version if <12 months
- Mylicon Gas Drops or Gripe Water
- Probiotics
- Hydrocortisone Ointment
- Bacitracin Antibiotic Ointment
- Humidifier - use water, caution in infants and young children with vapor tabs. Must clean regularly to avoid accumulation of molds.
Important Instructions
- Always read and follow the label instructions.
- Whenever possible, use the dosing device that came with the product. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons.
- If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Regular spoons are not reliable.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Repeat dose every 4-6 hours while symptoms last.
- Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours.
- Do not use with any other product containing acetaminophen.
- Source: Dosing guideline from HealthyChildren.org
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Not for use with children under 6 months of age.
- Repeat dose every 6-8 hours as needed.
- Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
- Source: Dosing guideline from HealthyChildren.org
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Not for use with children under 6 months of age, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
- Non-sedating alternatives (eg, loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine) are available over-the-counter and are safer for young children.
- Repeat dose every 6 hours as needed.
- Children's Benadryl Fastmelts: Each fastmelt tablet contains the equivalent of 12.5 mg of Diphenhydramine HCL, dosed the same as chewable tablets.
- Risk of side effects: May cause drowsiness and paradoxical excitatory. Use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery after dosing due to potential for sedation and decreased alertness. This is especially relevant for teen drivers.
- Source: Dosing guideline from HealthyChildren.org