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Reye's syndrome

Reye's syndrome is a life-threatening condition that damages the cells in your child's organs, especially the liver and brain. Giving your child aspirin increases the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Learn more about Reye's syndrome in our health library.

Medicine safety

If your child has a fever or feels ill, give him acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

See dosage charts in "How to treat your child's fever."

Giving medicine to your child

Remember

Keep all medicines out of your child's reach.

When giving medicine to your child, keep the following in mind:

  • Never force a tablet into your child's mouth. Dissolve it in a small amount of water or let him chew on it.
  • Do not give your child aspirin. This can cause a serious condition called Reye's syndrome. It can lead to coma or death.
  • Do not give your child herbals, vitamins, prescription or other over-the-counter medicines without your health care provider's approval. Follow the package directions. If you have any questions or concerns, call your health care provider or pharmacist.
  • Always follow your health care provider's instructions.
  • Report any medicine side effect your child has to your health care provider.

Infant acetaminophen product changes

Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) reduces fever and relieves pain. There are new dosing directions for giving the medicine to babies. This means that the amount of medicine — and the packaging — has changed.

You now give the medicine with a special syringe that fits into the bottle. It is easier to use than the old dropper.

Do not use the dropper or syringe with any other medicine. Follow the package directions. Ask your baby's health care provider if you have questions.

Old way (dropper): Infant drops

The old drops used less liquid.

New way (syringe): Infant suspension

The new suspension uses more liquid.

a dropper is next to a small liquid medicine bottle a syringe is attached to the top of a small liquid medicine bottle

 

Source: Allina Patient Education, Guide for the Care of Children: Ages Birth to 5 Years Old, fourth edition, ISBN 1-931876-26-6; Allina Health Patient Education, Infant Acetaminophen Product Changes, ped-ahc-15004

First published: 02/01/2010
Last updated: 10/15/2011

Reviewed by: Allina Health Patient Education experts, including the Pediatric Department of Allina Medical Clinic - Coon Rapids