Common Medications
Here is a recommended list of supplies and medications that every family with children should keep on hand at all times. Use as necessary and directed, but remember that patience and TLC are all that is needed for the majority of childhood self-limited illnesses. Apply liberally!
- A working thermometer with fresh batteries. Axillary (under-the-arm) and oral temperatures are recommended. Rectal temperatures are no longer advised.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the age-appropriate form. Do not give to an infant under 2 months of age without speaking to a physician.
- Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) in the age-appropriate form. Do not give to an infant under 12 months of age without speaking to a physician.
- An antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for allergic reactions, hives, itching, etc. Please ask your physician for dosing under 6 years old.
- Neosporin or other triple antibiotic OTC cream
- 1% hydrocortisone cream (anti-inflammatory for skin lesions such as bug bites, itchy rashes, mild eczema)
- Salt water/saline nose drops and a suction bulb for infants (can be used to loosen nasal congestion to make it easier for infants with colds to breathe)
- A cool mist vaporizer for coughs, croup, congestion.
- An antifungal cream (Lotrimin, Monistat, etc. to be used for athlete's foot, ringworm or yeast diaper rashes in infantsâ€"these look like red diaper rashes with pimples around the periphery of the rash)
- Pedialyte or other electrolyte replacement solution for vomiting and/or diarrhea. This is not actually a medicine, but something you give instead of regular food/drink for a child who has a gastrointestinal illness.
- An ice pack and ace wrap for older children who may experience ankle sprains or other injuries.
- A medicine teaspoon/dropper with accurate measurements. You should not use a kitchen teaspoon to dispense medicines.
- A variety of sizes of gauze pads and bandages to care for wounds.
- Betadine or Epsom salts for soaking and cleaning wounds.
Medications Dosages
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is available without a prescription. Children older than 2 months of age can be given any one of the acetaminophen products. They all have the same dosage. Give the correct dosage for your child's weight every 4 to 6 hours.
*Manufacturers are changing the concentration of acetaminophen for infants. These new concentrations will have different dosing directions, but you may find both concentrations on store shelves. (Older concentration: 80mg/0.8ml or 80mg/1ml, Newer concentration 160mg/5ml)*
| Weight | Concentration | Dosage | Every |
| 8-11 lbs | Liquid (160mg/5ml) | 1.25ml (¼ tsp) | 4-6 hrs |
| 12-17 lbs | Liquid (160mg/5ml) | 2.5ml (½ tsp) | 4-6 hrs |
| 18-23 lbs | Liquid (160mg/5ml) | 3.75ml (¾ tsp) | 4-6 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (80mg) | 1 + ½ tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| 24-35 lbs | Liquid (160mg/5ml) | 5ml (1 tsp) | 4-6 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (80mg) | 2 tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| 24-35 lbs | Chewable Tablets (160mg) | 1 tablet | 4-6 hrs |
| 36-47 lbs | Liquid (160mg/5ml) | 7.5ml (1 + ½ tsp) | 4-6 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (80mg) | 3 tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (160mg) | 1 + ½ tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| 48-59 lbs | Liquid (160mg/5ml) | 10ml (2 tsp) | 4-6 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (80mg) | 4 tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (160mg) | 2 tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| 60-71 lbs | Liquid (160mg/5ml) | 12.5ml (2 + ½ tsp) | 4-6 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (80mg) | 5 tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (160mg) | 2 + ½ tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| Adult Tablets (325mg) | 1 tablet | 4-6 hrs | |
| 72-95 lbs | Liquid (160mg/5ml) | 15ml (3 tsp) | 4-6 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (80mg) | 6 tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (160mg) | 3 tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| Adult Tablets (325mg) | 1 + ½ tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| 96+ lbs | Liquid (160mg/5ml) | 20ml (4 tsp) | 4-6 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (80mg) | 8 tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (160mg) | 4 tablets | 4-6 hrs | |
| Adult Tablets (325mg) | 2 tablets | 4-6 hrs |
Abbreviations: mg = milligrams, ml = milliliter, tsp = teaspoon, lbs = pounds
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Suppositories: Acetaminophen is also available as a rectal suppository in 120-mg, 325-mg, and 650-mg dosages. Suppositories are useful if a child with a fever is vomiting often or having seizures caused by the fever. Use the same dose as listed above for the suppository. Most suppositories can be cut (for example, cut in half) to supply the right dose for your child's age.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is available without a prescription. Give the correct dosage for your child's weight every 6 to 8 hours.
*Only for ages 6 mos and up*
| Weight | Concentration | Dosage | Every |
| 12-17 lbs | Liquid (50mg/1.25ml) | 1/2 dropper (1.25ml) | 6-8 hrs |
| Liquid (100mg/5ml) | 2.5ml | 6-8 hrs | |
| 18-23 lbs | Liquid (50mg/1.25ml) | 1 dropper (1.875ml) | 6-8 hrs |
| Liquid (100mg/5ml) | 3.75ml (¾ tsp) | 6-8 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (50mg) | 1 + ½ tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| 24-35 lbs | Liquid (50mg/1.25ml) | 2- 1/2 droppers (2.5ml) | 6-8 hrs |
| Liquid (100mg/5ml) | 5ml (1 tsp) | 6-8 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (50mg) | 2 tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (100mg) | 1 tablet | 6-8 hrs | |
| 36-47 lbs | Liquid (50mg/1.25ml) | 3 - 1/2 droppers (3.75ml) | 6-8 hrs |
| Liquid (100mg/5ml) | 7.5ml (1 + ½ tsp) | 6-8 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (50mg) | 3 tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (100mg) | 1 + ½ tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| 48-59 lbs | Liquid (100mg/5ml) | 10ml (2 tsp) | 6-8 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (50mg) | 4 tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (100mg) | 2 tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| 60-71 lbs | Liquid (100mg/5ml) | 12.5ml (2 + ½ tsp) | 6-8 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (50mg) | 5 tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (100mg) | 2 + ½ tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| Adult Tablets (200mg) | 1 tablet | 6-8 hrs | |
| 72-95 lbs | Liquid (100mg/5ml) | 15ml (3 tsp) | 6-8 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (50mg) | 6 tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (100mg) | 3 tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| Adult Tablets (200mg) | 1 + ½ tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| 96+ lbs | Liquid (100mg/5ml) | 20ml (4 tsp) | 6-8 hrs |
| Chewable Tablets (50mg) | 8 tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| Chewable Tablets (100mg) | 4 tablets | 6-8 hrs | |
| Adult Tablets (200mg) | 2 tablets | 6-8 hrs |
Abbreviations: mg = milligrams, ml = milliliter, tsp = teaspoon, lbs = pounds