Pain and fever are common complaints from children (and adults, too), and naturally, you want to provide some relief. But which medication is suitable?
Managing pain and fever can be challenging when your family’s ages differ. From tiny tots and teens to working moms and dads, each age group has its own unique needs when it comes to pain and fever relief.
Read our article on what fevers are telling you.
Understanding the challenge
Children often process medication differently compared to the general adult population. A child’s body, still in development, might react differently to certain ingredients than, for example, a teenager’s would, even when given at a lower dose.
You should not give adult medicine to children at a lower dose. The risk increases the younger your children are, with the highest risk associated with giving adult medicine to infants.
Recognising that with diverse requirements in a single household, families need to find a single trusted brand to suit every member’s pain and fever requirements, Panado® offers a wide variety of products suitable for every age group.
For the little ones
Panado’s range of paediatric products contains paracetamol, which is fast-acting, gentle on little tummies and suitable for treating mild to moderate pain and fever.
Understanding that babies and young children can’t swallow pills and might be particularly picky about taste, there’s a paediatric range in syrup form, boasting two flavours to make medicine time less of a struggle.
One of the most significant challenges when administering medication to babies is ensuring accurate dosing. This is where infant drops can help. The medication is specifically designed to be administered in small doses, making it easier to get the dosage right. The dropper that is supplied with the medication is also designed to be easy to use and accurate, making sure that you give your baby the correct amount of medication every time.
Always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Dosage details can be found at https://panado.co.za/dosage-calculator/ and are calculated according to your child’s age and weight.
Find out more about childhood headaches how to soothe a baby with a cold.
For teens and adults
As we grow, our bodies can tolerate and sometimes require stronger doses. Painkillers for teens and adults are available as tablets, capsules and effervescent tablets, ensuring efficient pain and fever relief.
Effervescent tablets work immediately and are ideal for those who struggle with taking capsules or tablets.
Read our article on the five illness symptoms that should not be ignored.
Safety tips
- Keep all medications stored out of reach of children and pets and ensure the resealable childproof cap is on.
- Use the dosage measuring tool that comes with the medication, don’t use a dosing measure from a different medication.
- Chat with your doctor or the pharmacist about the different types of medications, dosages and any possible interaction with other medications.
- A high fever in babies and children under two years of age (38°C) and in older children (40°C) should be treated by a doctor or paediatrician.
- In older children, if the pain or fever continues for longer than 24 hours, despite having taken fever-reducing medication, it would be best to seek medical advice.