Test Your Knowledge

Pain and fever medications are drugs given to children that help provide relief from these symptoms. These medications are safe and effective when parents give them to children as directed by a physician.  

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. Medications that are used to treat fevers are typically known as antipyretic agents. They do this by blocking the mechanisms that cause fever.

Minor episodes of fever or pain often do not require any treatment. However, in some cases a child’s discomfort can be substantial enough to require medical treatment. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two of the most commonly recommended combination fever reducers and pain relievers suggested for treating children.

Aspirin is one popular analgesic that should never be used in children. Though aspirin can be a powerful and effective drug, it also can be dangerous when used in children. Use of aspirin in children has been associated with Reye syndrome, a rare but extremely serious condition that affects all organs of the body and that can be fatal.

Fever-reducers and pain relievers may be used to treat many different conditions in children, including fever, back pain, headaches and more serious disorders. Patients, or parents and other caregivers of patients, should inform physicians of any allergies or medical conditions that they have, as some may preclude the use of certain pain and fever medications. Patients are also urged to disclose information about drugs they are taking to their physician, as some medications interact poorly with other medications.