Tylenol & Motrin
So many parents have questions about giving their children tylenol or motrin and aren’t sure where to turn for reliable information. They tell me how confused and worried they feel. It should be easier for you to know when to use medications for your children and WHY to use them.
I’m here for you. I’m a mom of two toddlers - I know what it’s like to want to take the best possible care of your child. And as a pediatrician, I can help bridge the gap between your incredible mom instincts and practical medical care you can use at home.
What to Know
How They Work
Children’s Tylenol: works in a couple different ways - essentially works on the brain to decrease the sensation of pain
Children’s Ibuprofen: has more direct anti-inflammatory effects
Which One Should I Use?
Children’s Ibuprofen:
May be better for things that cause sustained inflammation like fevers, teething, sores from hand, foot, and mouth, injuries, etc.
Kids > 6 months old only
*Can be harder on the stomach (so may not be first choice for stomach pain or if your child isn’t eating much)
Caution with certain medical conditions (i.e. G6PD and kidney disease) - chat with your pediatrician
Children’s Tylenol:
May be gentler on the stomach (i.e. if your child isn’t eating or drinking much)
Kids > 2 months old (talk with your pediatrician)
Caution with certain medical conditions (i.e. liver disease) - chat with your pediatrician
Tip:
Always check the concentration + dosage of your medication. Infants’ Tylenol, Children’s Tylenol, Motrin Infant Drops, and Children’s Motrin can all have different concentrations (which can also vary by country), so double check before giving for safety.
Note:
Remember that medicine is just one tool in your toolbox. There are a lot of ways to manage these conditions before you use medications - I talk about them in my Instagram stories. But also know that using these medications in a judicious way is okay too - it’s important to interpret all of the data about different medications (Tylenol AND Ibuprofen) in a clinical context. In other words, it’s important to look at the WHOLE picture with your child’s health.
Resources:
Download your Family First Aid Checklist + Medication Labels here - everything you need for your kids’ health at home. And our email this week will have more answers to YOUR questions!
Every mom deserves to feel confident caring for her child. I hope that you feel equipped to care for your child and prepared to handle any illness or injury with these resources. You’re doing so great.
