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Various medications are available that offer relief to children who display symptoms of pain or fever. In many cases, a single drug can both provide relief from pain and reduce fever. When used correctly, these drugs are safe and cause few side effects in children.

Medications used to block pain are commonly known as analgesics. They either stop pain signals from going to the brain or alter the brain’s interpretation of those signals. In both cases, analgesics prevent the brain from processing pain signals, yet do not rely on anesthesia or loss of consciousness to achieve their pain-relieving effect.

There are two primary types of analgesics:

• Non-narcotic analgesics. Also known as non-opioids, they are milder forms of the painkillers that include acetaminophen, the most commonly used over-the-counter non-narcotic analgesic. Other drugs are not technically part of the analgesic family, but are nonetheless considered analgesics in practice. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
  
  
• Narcotic analgesics. Also known as opioids, they are stronger analgesics that are used when pain signals are too severe to be controlled by non-narcotic analgesics. Examples include morphine and codeine.

Medications that are used to treat fevers are typically known as antipyretic agents. They work by blocking the mechanisms in the body that cause fever, but do not treat the underlying condition that causes the fever. The most common antipyretics are acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin. The last of these should never be used to treat children, as aspirin can cause Reye syndrome, a rare but extremely serious condition that affects all organs of the body and can be life-threatening.

Children who have mild fevers (102 degrees Fahrenheit or less, or 39 degrees Celsius or less) may not require treatment of any kind. The exception is in infants under two months of age, when medical treatment should be sought if the child has a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). If the child is drinking plenty of fluids and behaving normally, it may be advisable to simply let the fever run its course. However, there are many times when a fever-reducer can relieve a child’s discomfort. Drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be used if children are achy or irritable, or if they complain of headaches or other similar symptoms.

Pain relievers should also be used sparingly. Minor bumps and bangs may not require any medication. However, if the child complains of tenderness or has symptoms associated with inflammation, a pain reliever may help reduce the child’s pain.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two of the most commonly recommended combination fever reducers and pain relievers suggested for treating children. These drugs have few side effects and are even considered safe for infants, who may take them in drop form. Liquids are available for toddlers, whereas chewable tablets may be preferred by older children.

These medications should only be given as recommended by a physician. The size of the patient and severity of the illness are usually the most important factors in determining dosage levels. However, most medications typically describe appropriate dosage levels according to the patient’s age. These guidelines work well in most cases.

Parents are urged not to deviate from the recommendations suggested by a physician or a drug manufacturer. For example, it is inappropriate to give a toddler multiple doses of a “drop” medication recommended for infants, as these formulations are highly concentrated and may have adverse effects when used differently than recommended.