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Some children may experience upset stomach when taking certain pain and fever medications. To avoid this side effect, children should take these medicines in a physician-approved manner. In many cases, this involves taking the medication with meals, or a full glass of water or milk. Some drugs such as acetaminophen are generally gentler on the stomach than others.

Side effects associated with certain analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers) – especially when they are taken in large doses – include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are usually safe in children when taken correctly. However, long-term uses of acetaminophen or overdose of the drug can cause liver failure. Ibuprofen can cause a number of side effects, including indigestion (dyspepsia), gastrointestinal bleeding and reduced renal (kidney) blood flow.

Other analgesics may also present specific risks when used by children. For example, children under age 2 who take naproxen have an increased risk of developing a skin rash when using this drug. Parents should not give their child any analgesic until they have discussed the potential side effects with a physician, preferably a pediatrician.