Codeine is found in several prescription pain and cough medications, but children that are allergic to this drug must be treated with other pain medications. An allergic reaction to codeine can lead to difficulty breathing, slow heartbeat or even loss of consciousness, so monitor your child carefully for signs of an overdose or allergy and let your child’s doctor know if he’s allergic to codeine or any other medication. Always discuss any concerns you have about treating your child’s pain with his pediatrician and never give your child more than the recommended dose on the packaging for his age or weight.
Step 1
Treat your child’s pain with an over-the-counter pain medication that’s suitable for children, such as acetaminophen. Measure liquid pain relievers carefully using measuring spoons or a measuring cup that comes with liquid medications rather than kitchen spoons to ensure accurate dosing.
Step 2
Give your child a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, to help relieve pain from swelling or inflammation.
Step 3
Use topical pain-relieving products formulated for children for oral pain from teething or a toothache.
Step 4
Talk to your child’s pediatrician about a prescription pain reliever if over-the-counter products fail to relieve your child’s pain adequately. There are stronger painkillers available by prescription that don’t contain codeine.
Step 5
Use nonmedicinal pain relievers, such as ice packs on bruises or minor injuries or heating pads on achy areas. Don’t leave ice or heat on an area for more than 10 to 15 minutes, and don’t allow your child to fall asleep with an ice pack or heating pad. Use heating pads on low settings to prevent burning children’s sensitive skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Distracting your child when she’s not feeling well can help take her mind off the pain. Provide your child with fun activities, like a favorite movie or a new coloring book to help her focus on something other than the pain she feels.
- Not all pain medications are suitable for children. If the product doesn’t include dosing information for children, don’t give the medicine to your child. Never give a child aspirin or any product that contains aspirin or willow bark for pain. Aspirin can lead to Reye’s Syndrome, a condition that could lead to liver or brain damage, in children. Don’t combine pain medications unless your child’s doctor advises you to do so. Monitor your child for side effects when giving him any type of medication. Some side effects, such as mild nausea, will usually subside on their own, but seek emergency medical attention if your child feels extremely dizzy, has trouble breathing or has significant changes in heart rate after taking medication.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Measuring spoons or measuring cup
- Topical pain reliever
- Prescription pain medication
- Ice pack
- Heating pad
