Over-the-counter treatments provide a sense of security for a lot of parents. But what cautions should be exercised? Dr Prasad, general physician over at the Dubai London Clinic, offers his advice.
Paediatric brufen
What is it: Brufen syrup is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory.
Best used for: Reducing swelling and relieving pain. Brufen is a good go-to if your child is also suffering from a fever because it has temperature reducing properties. It works well for illnesses like throat infections where inflammation is involved, as well as for minor injuries, joint pain, vaccination sore spots and even to relieve burn pain.
Cautions: It can’t be used for infants under one year, unless prescribed by a doctor. In rare cases it can also trigger allergic reactions, asthma and even blood clotting disorders. Because of this, pregnant women should also steer clear of it.
Calpol
What is it: The active ingredient in Calpol is paracetamol.
Best used for: Pain relief and fever. Paracetamol is considered one of the safest and most effective pain relieving medications available because babies aged two months and up can tolerate it. While Calpol cannot relieve swelling, it does reduce pain, and is often recommended for teething babies, post vaccination pain and fevers.
Cautions: Ensure your baby or child keeps their fluids well topped up as paracetamol can increase the likelihood of dehydration occurring. Making sure you stick to the recommended dose for the recommended period is also essential as paracetamol is known to cause liver damage and toxicity.
Antihistamine
What is it: Anti-allergenic.
Best used for: Nasal allergies and seasonal allergic rhinitis, rhinorrhoea, urticaria and pruritus. There are several brands of over-the-counter antihistamine medications available for children in the UAE. They can be helpful in relieving persistent coughs caused by a nasal drip, allergic reactions, and seasonally irritated sore throats.
Cautions: The latest advice is that antihistamines should be avoided in children under the age of two. This is because in rare instances, they have caused epilepsy and an enzyme-related condition called porphyria.
Cough suppressants/expectorants
What are they: Cough medications work by loosening mucus and suppressing the cough reflex. A cough suppressant typically contains a chemical called dextromethorphan which acts on a part of the brain to actually suppress the urge to cough. Meanwhile, the active ingredient in an expectorant is guafenesin. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.
Best used for: Cough medications can be used to relieve cough symptoms caused by a common cold or by bronchitis. However, in the case of
a bacterial upper respiratory or chest infection, antibiotics will be required to treat the condition.
Cautions: Despite the fact that they seem fairly harmless, cough expectorants and suppressants are strong medications and must not be given to children under the age of six, unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
Fucidin
What is it: Fucidin is a topical, anti-biotic cream that contains fusidic acid.
Best used for: Minor bacterial skin infections, Fucidin can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including the highly infectious impetigo, often rife in schools.
Cautions: As it’s an antibiotic, it should be used sparingly, and prolonged use can result in hypersensitivity of the skin.
Teething gel
What is it: The active ingredient in teething gel is a mild, local anesthetic called Benzocaine.
Best used for: Temporary relief of sore gums in infants when they are teething. But teething gel is also remarkably soothing for other sore mouth complaints, such as oral ulcers.
Cautions: It’s not a cure, and should not be used on symptoms that last longer than seven days without consulting a doctor.
Fenistil gel
What is it: A topical antihistamine.
Best used for: Fenistil gel is designed to reduce skin irritation caused by insect bites, itching caused by allergic reactions, sun burn and even mild burns. It can be particularly helpful in treating stinging ant bites, especially in little ones who are always crawling on the floor.
Cautions: As with all medications, use cautiously as the active ingredient can cause burning and skin dryness.
Nature’s remedies
Don’t forget to stock up on nature’s own kid-friendly home remedies
Aloe vera
One of the best cures around for sunburn and safe for baby’s skin. A well-tended plant in your garden is all you need. Simply break off a leaf and apply the natural gel topically.
Tea tree oil
If your house is full of bugs due to one family member being ill, infusing the air with tea tree can help. Use a few drops in a burner or a steamer to purify.
Arnica
Is a plant-based treatment for bruising and is available in topical cream and pill form.
Jojoba oil
Closest to your skin’s naturally produced sebum, jojoba oil is an excellent go-to for dry skin conditions, is safe for tiny babies and works a treat on cradle cap.
Roman chamomile and lavender essential oils
Promote relaxation and sleep in restless children. A few drops in a cup of boiling water placed in a secure location in their bedroom will soon have them snoozing nicely.
Calendula
Is great for nappy rash. Look for formulas that combine it with shea butter and beeswax for a super soft baby bot.
Salt water
You can make your own saline wound wash by mixing eight grams of cooking salt with a litre of boiled, cooled water. It can also be used as a mouth and nasal wash.
Bicarbonate of soda
Can help relieve thrush. Two tablespoons in the bath at bedtime does the trick.
Fennel seeds
Crushed and boiled up with a little chamomile and ginger, makes a great homemade gripe water.
