Every ache has its remedy?
Both medications, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are analgesics (painkillers) and antipyretics (to relieve fever). However, ONLY ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory. “The downside is that ibuprofen is harder on the digestive system. It is highly recommended to take it while eating. There is also a controversy about its usage during chicken pox. We are hesitant to suggest it when children have the chicken pox” explains Geneviève Duperron, a Familiprix pharmacist.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra and generic)
- Headache
- Pain
- Muscle ache
- Fevercaused by vaccination, earache, cold or flu
- Toothache and earache
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil and generic)
- Muscle ache
- Sprain
- Inflammation and pain
- Toothache
- Fever caused by vaccination, earache, cold or flu
Which one to choose?
Mothers often pick a brand and stick with it as long as they are satisfied with the results. “For a simple fever, I use Tempra. But during intense toothaches, I give my daughter some Motrin”, explains Julie, mother of Justin and Rafaëlle.
A study from Laval University done by Amélie Bourassa, a specialist in emergency medicine, shows that alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen every four hours has considerable advantages compared to using one or the other alone. However, not all specialists agree on these results. Nonetheless, it is possible to change from ibuprofen to acetaminophen in the same day. “Sometimes, we suggest giving ibuprofen before going to bed since it lasts longer than acetaminophen”, says Geneviève Duperron. As a matter of fact, ibuprofen works for 6 to 8 hours while acetaminophen works for 4 to 6 hours.
Liquids, drops or pills?
“It’s mainly a question of preference, but liquids are easier to split than pills”, notes the pharmacist. Since dosage depends on the person’s weight, it is sometimes easier to use liquids for younger children.
Dosage
It is crucial to take the child or the baby’s weight into account to calculate the right dosage. Never rely on the child’s age alone. If you are hesitant, consult your pharmacist.
What’s on the shelves?
Here are some products that you can find on any drugstore's shelves. Each product has its generic brand equivalent.
Tylenol (acetaminophen)
To calculate the right dosage for Tylenol products:
- Elixir (160mg/5ml) - cherry flavour
- Concentrated drops for children up to 35 pounds (80mg/ml) – cherry or white grape flavours
- Suspension liquid (160mg/5ml) – grape or bubble gum flavours
- Chewable tablets for children aged 2 to 6 years old (80mg) – watermelon flavour.
Motrin (ibuprofen)
Create a personalized chart for your child for Motrin products.
- Concentrated drops for babies, lasts 8 hours. For babies aged 4 months to 2 years old (40mg/ml) – fruit flavour and dye-free formula to avoid stains. Comes with a syringe for an easier intake.
- Suspension liquid for children aged 2 to 11 years old (100mg/ml) – fruit, bubble gum and orange flavours.
- Chewable tablets for children aged 2 to 8 years old (50mg) – orange or grape flavours.
- Chewable tablets for older children aged 6 to 11 years old (100mg) – orange or grape flavours.
We love it!
Suspension liquid for children and concentrated drops for babies are now available dye-free so they won’t stain! The syringe lets you give the medication without losses or spills.
Tempra (acetaminophen)
Dosage chart for Tempra products:
- Drops- simple concentration for 0 to 3 year olds (80mg/ml) – cherry or banana flavours.
- Syrup- simple concentration for 2 to 6 year olds (80mg/5ml) – cherry flavour.
- Syrup- double concentration for 4 to 10 year olds (160mg/5ml) – cherry or banana flavours.
- Chewable tablets- double concentration for 6 to 12 year olds (160mg/tablet) – grape flavour.
Advil (ibuprofen)
Dosage chart for Advil products:
- Pediatric drops – 3 months to 3 years old – (200mg/5ml) – grape flavour.
- Children’s Advil suspensions – 2 to 12 years old (100mg/5ml) – blue raspberry, grape or fruit flavours.
- Junior Strength Advil Chewable – 2 to 12 years old (100mg/tablet) – fruit flavour.
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SUMMARY |
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|
Tylenol |
Motrin |
Tempra |
Advil |
|
Drops (baby) |
80 mg/ ml |
40 mg/ ml |
80 mg/ ml |
40 mg/ ml |
|
Syrup or Liquid suspension |
160 mg/ 5ml |
100 mg/ 5ml |
80 or 160 mg/ 5ml |
100 mg/ 5ml |
|
Tablets |
80 mg/ tablet |
50 or 100 mg/ tablet |
160 mg/ tablet |
100 mg/ tablet |
MFL.com asked pharmacist Geneviève Duperron some questions.
My child’s fever varies constantly. Can I give more than the daily recommended dose?
It is better to use non-pharmaceutical treatments in combination with medication toreduce fever.
Can my child be allergic to these medications? What symptoms should I look for?
Yes, your child could be allergic to these medications. Usually, the allergic reaction does not appear after the first use. When there are allergic reactions, there may be rashes or red patches on the body that disappear when you press on them with your finger.
If my child is already taking medication, should I specify which one to the pharmacist before choosing between ibuprofen and acetaminophen?
Even if they are almost always compatible, it is always best to check with your pharmacist first. That’s what we are here for!
Do these medications have an expiry date?
Absolutely! No matter the expiry date written on the box, we suggest not going over a year after opening the medication. After a year, we notice a significant drop in the medication’s efficiency. The expiry date can be respected if you have kept the medicine in an ideal place ( perfect temperature, no light or humidity).
I have just given my child his first dose and he vomited a little after. Should I give the medication again?
If the child vomits in the 30 minutes following the intake of medication, you can give him another dose. Know that there are acetaminophen suppositories* if your child has nausea or is vomiting.
*Acetaminophen suppositories: Acet or Abeno
