Between the infant formula shortage and epidural catheter shortage, supply chain problems have hit families especially hard this year. Now, some caregivers are reporting bare spots on shelves where fever-reducing medicines for kids are usually stocked. Unfortunately, an early and intense cold and flu (and COVID-19, and RSV) season has upped demand for these medicine cabinet staples.
If your little one is running hot and you're out of children's acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin), you do have options. Here's what parents need to know if they can't find their go-to fever reliever.
Why is there a shortage of children's Tylenol and Motrin right now?
A so-called "tripledemic" of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19 has sickened many young kids this season and stressed everything from doctor's offices to supplies of over-the-counter meds.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that about 114,000 children have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past four weeks, and that number is likely an undercount.[1] Meanwhile, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows a massive spike in RSV[2] and flu cases[3] starting in September.
All three of these viruses can include fever as a symptom, so it's no surprise that acetaminophen and ibuprofen — both of which help ease fevers, headaches and body aches — are in high demand.
"There are so many viruses going around right now, so many kids are sick, and parents immediately turn to acetaminophen or ibuprofen," says Gina Posner, M.D., a pediatrician in Fountain Valley, California, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. "I have heard about shortages, but usually if you are okay with a generic, you can find either acetaminophen or ibuprofen."
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What should you do if you can't find children's Tylenol or Motrin?
While it's certainly stressful when your child runs a fever, it can help to remember that the fever itself is a sign your little one's immune system is working as it should. In fact, fevers help kill the bacteria and viruses that are making your child sick.
For this reason, a reading above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit doesn't necessarily always warrant medication. Your pediatrician may tell you that there's no need to treat your little one's fever unless your child is uncomfortable (i.e., not eating, drinking, playing or sleeping normally).[4]
"Only give the medications if the kids are feeling poorly," Dr. Posner says. "If I see a kid running around with a 102 fever, they don’t need medication. If they look down and achy, that is when I give medicine."
(However, always call your pediatrician if you have any concerns, and call right away if your child is under 3 months and has a reading of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher on a rectal thermometer; is under 2 years and has a fever lasting more than 24 hours; is older than 2 years and has a fever lasting more than 72 hours; or if her fever goes higher than 104 degrees repeatedly or is accompanied by other symptoms, no matter her age).
While these continued shortages have thrown parents for a loop, the good news with this one is you have plenty of other tools in your parenting toolbox if a fever strikes. Here's what you can to do if you can't find your usual fever reducer of choice:
- Try another version. Generic children's acetaminophen and ibuprofen will work just as well as their brand-name counterparts, and they usually cost less. You can also try other companies, like Genexa.
- Check other retailers. Online retailers may still have these medications in stock. Or, if the nearby big box store is cleaned out, visit a local shop instead.
- Use infant's instead of children's acetaminophen, or vice versa. In the U.S., infant and children's Tylenol actually share the same concentration. (Note: Infant and children's ibuprofen do not, and infant and children's Tylenol don't share the same concentration in other markets.) Just ask your doctor or pharmacist for the right dosage for your little one's age. While the children's version doesn't come with a syringe, you can get one from the pharmacy counter for free.
- Lower her fever in other ways. Keep your child's room cool, and dress her in light clothing. Make sure she drinks plenty of fluids like water or Pedialyte, and give her a popsicle to suck on.[5]
- Call the doctor's office. Your pediatrician may have samples to give you and, in a pinch, the doctor can write a prescription and have the pharmacy mix it for you.
Safety tips for parents during this shortage
While you have options to make your child more comfortable, there are a few things to keep in mind if your little one is running a temperature and you can't find children's Tylenol or Motrin:
- Don't give acetaminophen to infants younger than 12 weeks old unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to. A newborn with a fever should receive treatment in a medical facility. For children 4 months and older, you can give acetaminophen every four to six hours as needed, but don't give your child more than four doses in 24 hours. For more information, refer to the AAP's acetaminophen dosage table.[6]
- Don't give ibuprofen to babies younger than 6 months old. Little ones 6 months and up can be given ibuprofen drops or the liquid version. You can offer ibuprofen every six hours if needed, though you should not give your child more than four doses in 24 hours. For more information, refer to the AAP's ibuprofen dosage table.[7]
- Never give your child aspirin. It can cause side effects such as an upset stomach and could trigger more serious complications like Reye syndrome (a rare condition that affects the brain and liver).[8]
- Don't use adult medicine. Even OTC medicines can be dangerous if they're not used the right way. Little kids shouldn't take naproxen (aka Aleve) or cold and cough medicines. Stick to pediatric acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and read and follow the instructions on the label exactly.[9]
- Skip the sponge bath. Dabbing your child with cool or cold water can cause her to shiver and actually raise her body temperature.
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