“What medicine can I give my child for headaches?”
My 4 year old has been complaining about headaches in the afternoons. What medication can I give him for this?
9 Answers
You can use ibuprofen or acetaminophen/paracetamol for occasional headaches. If the headache is recurring in a 4-year-old, then you should consult your child’s pediatrician to find the cause.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are 2 common over the counter medications. They say usually 6 years and older, but you can use this bottom dose in an otherwise healthy 4 year old.
First, add water! Dehydration is a common cause for headache. Then, try lying down with a cool cloth on the forehead. Last, try children’s acetaminophen.
I would recommend to go to your private pediatrician if the headaches continue and increase in severity. To manage and treat the pain you can provide your child with either Tylenol or Ibuprofen. You can get them over the counter and they specify in the back the exact amount to be given according to weight.
Motrin or tylenol may be used. If they are severe or frequent further workup as to the cause of the headache should be done
Tylenol or ibuprofen
Discuss with a pediatrician. Do a headache diary for a couple of days. Does it wake him up at night? Does he throw up or is nauseated? Any history of migraine in family? How long does it last? What relieves it? If it's a continuous headache and vomiting, take him to a pediatrician or emergency room. Best to talk to a pediatrician. You can give him Tylenol per his weight, which is on the Tylenol box.
I would certainly have his eyes checked first, as eye strain can cause midday or end of day headaches. For quick relief of headaches. start with children’s Motrin (refer to dosing chart based on weight) as needed every 8 hrs. If symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, he needs be seen by his pediatrician.
A 4yr child having headaches in the afternoons is not normal, and giving medication is not going to solve the problem. It is better to know the cause. It may be very simple as seeking attention or it can be pathological and needs a full evaluation. It is better to nip it in the bud.
