Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause serious side effects in adults. In children, the risks and intensity of side effects are even greater. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child’s physician about the risks and benefits of using NSAIDs. Some of the regularly used NSAIDs that may put children at an increased risk include:

• Aspirin. This NSAID has been linked to incidences of Reye syndrome (a disease that affects all organs and can cause swelling of the brain and liver) in children. The use of aspirin during bouts of the flu or viral illnesses (e.g., chickenpox) should be avoided for children.
  
  
• Phenylbutazone. Children under age 15 are advised not to take this NSAID.
  
  
• Naproxen. Children under age 2 have an increased risk of developing a skin rash when using this drug.
  
  
• Oxaprozin. There are no clinical studies of this drug type in children under 2 years of age. However, the drug has been safely used in older children who suffer from arthritis.
  
  
• Indomethacin and tolmetin. Neither of these NSAIDs has been tested in children younger than 2 years. Older children who have used these drugs have experienced the same side effects as adults.
  
  
• Ibuprofen. This NSAID has not been tested in children younger than 6 months. However, results from tests show that older children experience side effects similar to those commonly experienced by adults.