When your child is suffering from aches, pains, or fever, navigating the world of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can be confusing. Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve are frequently recommended medications, but understanding the differences between them is crucial for making the best choice for your child’s health. This article will compare naproxen (Aleve) to acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), helping you to understand their uses, dosages, and important considerations.
Understanding Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. It is often a go-to option for parents due to its availability in various forms suitable for children of all ages, including infants.
Key features of Acetaminophen (Tylenol):
- Pain Relief and Fever Reduction: Primarily works to alleviate pain and reduce fever.
- Infant-Friendly: Generally safe for use in infants, making it a common first choice for young children.
- Multiple Forms: Available as pills, chewable tablets, liquid suspensions, suppositories, and even intravenous (IV) forms in clinical settings.
- Liver Considerations: Caution is advised for children with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking medications that affect liver function.
- Pre-Surgery Use: Can often be continued right up until surgery if needed, under medical guidance.
Exploring Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Ibuprofen, sold under brand names like Advil and Motrin, is another popular OTC option. It belongs to a class of drugs called Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which means it not only relieves pain and reduces fever but also helps to reduce inflammation.
Key features of Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin):
- Pain Relief, Fever Reduction, and Anti-inflammatory Action: Effective in reducing pain, fever, and swelling.
- Longer-Lasting Relief Compared to Tylenol: Generally provides pain relief for a longer duration than acetaminophen.
- Available Forms: Typically found in pill, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension forms.
- Administration with Food: Best taken with food or milk to minimize potential stomach upset.
- Dehydration and Vomiting Concerns: Should be avoided if a child is vomiting, dehydrated, or not eating adequately.
- Kidney and Gastrointestinal Considerations: Not recommended for children with kidney or gastrointestinal issues, or those on medications affecting kidney function.
- Pre-Surgery Discontinuation: Should be stopped 72 hours before surgery due to its effect on blood clotting.
- Age Restriction: Not suitable for infants under six months old.
Naproxen (Aleve): A Longer-Acting NSAID
Naproxen, available OTC as Aleve, is also an NSAID, similar to ibuprofen, but with some distinct characteristics, particularly its longer duration of action.
Key features of Naproxen (Aleve):
- Pain Relief, Fever Reduction, and Anti-inflammatory Action: Provides relief from pain, fever, and inflammation, similar to ibuprofen.
- Longest-Lasting Relief: Offers the longest duration of pain relief compared to both acetaminophen and ibuprofen, potentially requiring less frequent dosing.
- Available Forms: Available over-the-counter in pill form and by prescription in liquid form for children.
- Kidney and Gastrointestinal Considerations: Similar to ibuprofen, it’s not recommended for children with kidney or gastrointestinal problems or those taking medications affecting kidney function.
- Administration with Food: Should be taken with food or milk to minimize stomach upset.
- Pre-Surgery Discontinuation: Should be discontinued 72 hours prior to surgery.
- Age Restriction: Not recommended for children under two years old.
Dosage: The Critical Factor
Regardless of whether you choose acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, accurate dosage is paramount, especially for children. Always use the measuring tool provided with the medication, such as a dropper or dosing cup. Kitchen spoons are not standardized and can lead to incorrect dosing.
Studies have highlighted that parents often struggle with accurate liquid medication measurement, sometimes leading to overdosing. Using oral syringes is recommended, particularly for small doses, to improve accuracy.
It’s important to remember that “over-the-counter” does not equate to “completely safe” if misused. Overdosing can have serious consequences. Furthermore, be aware that acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be present in combination medications like cough and cold remedies. Always check the ingredient list of all medications your child is taking to avoid accidental double dosing.
Establishing a medication schedule and noting down the time of each dose can help track how much medication your child has received. If you have any uncertainties about which OTC medication to use or the correct dosage, consulting your child’s doctor is always the safest and most recommended course of action.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your child’s health and medication choices.
Updated: 8/27/2024
Authors:
Shevaun Mackie Doyle, MD
Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, Hospital for Special Surgery
Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College
