With an overabundance of children catching RSV and influenza, many parents are heading to the drugstore to pick up Children’s Tylenol. Due to a nationwide shortage, however, some may have trouble finding the popular pain- and fever-reducing medication.
BestReviews medical expert Dr. Michael Huynh is a board-certified internal medicine hospitalist with over nine years of clinical experience. To help concerned parents facing empty medicine aisles, we asked him to share safe alternatives to Tylenol.
In this article: Children's Motrin Oral Suspension Dye-Free Pain Reliever, Easyeah Cooling Patch for Kids and Amazon Basic Care Infants Ibuprofen.
Because we're in a season Huynh calls the triple pandemic due to the high cases of the flu, RSV and COVID-19, increased demand coupled with supply-chain issues appear to be causing this shortage. Huynh says that as the weather warms and sickness wanes, we will likely see a decrease in demand for Children's Tylenol, which will ease the shortage in parents' medicine cabinets.
For now, Huynh gives the green light to those cautious about generic Children's Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen.
"Active ingredients, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are tightly regulated by the FDA, and the dosage printed on the container is usually trustworthy," he said. "Generic medications are under the same level of quality control and are just as effective, with a cost saving as a plus. In fact, some generic drugs are made by the same company as the brand name drug, but labeled differently."
When Tylenol is unavailable, generic ibuprofen, Motrin and Advil are suitable alternatives since they’re all mild pain relievers and fever reducers with a good safety index, Huynh says. The primary difference between Tylenol and others is the active ingredient. Tylenol’s active ingredient is acetaminophen, or paracetamol for those outside the United States, while Advil and Motrin are both brand names for ibuprofen.
Huynh explained how these medications work.
"Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work differently, though they are both pain and fever reducers," he said. "Acetaminophen’s mechanism of action is not well known but believed to regulate signals in the brain to reduce pain and temperature production. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, works by inhibiting inflammation, thus causing less pain and fevers. Ibuprofen is in a class of medications called NSAIDs, which means non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs."
Looking at the active ingredient is a great way to find a safe medicine alternative. Huynh also urged parents to ensure the medication is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and to be wary of over-the-counter medications if they’re not FDA-approved, as there is less regulation on the ingredients that go into them.
Adult medications are also unsuitable for children, since the higher dose can harm them. For example, children’s Tylenol is around 160 milligrams, while an adult dose can be up to 500 mg.
The primary reason to use Tylenol or other safe alternatives is when a child has a fever or mild pain caused by an infection. When checking your children's temperature with a thermometer, above 101 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. These medicines may help with the fever's discomfort, but they're not cures.
"Fever and pain medications are used to relieve the unwanted discomfort from whatever is causing the pain and/or fever," Huynh said, "Our bodies have evolved to use these measures to fight off infection, and it is a natural response to injury and infection. These medications are by no means a cure for the underlying causes, and if fevers and/or pain persist, please seek medical attention."
Children's Motrin Oral Suspension Dye-Free Pain Reliever
The main ingredient in Children's Motrin is ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This medicine is for children between 2 and 11 years old, and it's formulated to last up to eight hours. It's also dye-free, meaning it won't stain clothing or blankets in the event of spills or other accidents.
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Amazon Basic Care Infants Ibuprofen
For infants between 6 and 23 months, consider this ibuprofen-based medication with a smaller dosage that's suitable for younger ages. It can be compared to infants Motrin. It's free of dyes, high-fructose corn syrup and gluten.
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Mucinex Children's Multi-Symptom Day and Night Cold
To help with a fever, cough, stuffy nose, sneezing or sore throat, Mucinex is an excellent medication. The daytime is suitable for those over 4 years old, while the nighttime is directed to those over 6.
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Easyeah Cooling Patch for Kids
These cooling pads gently attach to a child's head and won't fall off during sleep or when moving around. As a cooling gel patch that absorbs and disperses heat, it's ideal for easing fever discomfort.
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Children's Motrin Dye-Free ChewableTablets
Chewable tablets may be helpful for those who don't like the liquid version. It contains the same active ingredient and also lasts up to eight hours.
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Taro Rx FeverAll Infant Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer Suppository
While most children's medicine is for those over 2 years old, this suppository is recommended for ages 6 through 36 months. It contains acetaminophen as the active ingredient, comparable to Tylenol.
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Rite Aid Infants' Dye-Free Ibuprofen Drops
Generic medications are excellent alternatives to brand name options and are usually more affordable. These dye-free berry drops can be compared directly to Children's Motrin.
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Advil Junior-Strength Pain Reliever Chewable Tablets
Advil uses ibuprofen, proven to ease fever and offer pain relief, as the active ingredient. These chewable tablets are recommended for kids over 6 years.
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While it has the same active ingredient as Tylenol, this medicine contains no dyes, parabens, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives or the top nine major food allergens.
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Up & Up Children's Acetaminophen
Comparing the ingredients on the back of the box is an ideal way to find a safe alternative. Children's Tylenol uses acetaminophen as the active ingredient, which is the same active ingredient in this brand-name medicine.
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Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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