Essentials

This is a list of some essential over the counter (OTC) medications parents should keep on hand at home.

These medications will help keep you prepared for a variety of common conditions that your child might have.

Fever

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Ibuprofen (Motrin)

If using both acetaminophen and ibuprofen, try alternating between each every 3 hours.

Example schedule:

• 6:00 AM: Acetaminophen 

• 9:00 AM: Ibuprofen

• 12:00 PM: Acetaminophen 

• 3:00 PM: Ibuprofen 

• 6:00 PM: Acetaminophen 

• 9:00 PM: Ibuprofen 

• 12:00 AM: Acetaminophen 

• 3:00 AM: Ibuprofen 

• This schedule allows your child to receive medication every 3 hours so they are comfortable, but it does not exceed maximum dosing for acetaminophen or ibuprofen (medication must be dosed and measured appropriately).

Pain/Discomfort

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Ibuprofen (Motrin)

If using both acetaminophen and ibuprofen, try alternating between each every 3 hours.

Example schedule:

• 6:00 AM: Acetaminophen 

• 9:00 AM: Ibuprofen

• 12:00 PM: Acetaminophen 

• 3:00 PM: Ibuprofen 

• 6:00 PM: Acetaminophen 

• 9:00 PM: Ibuprofen 

• 12:00 AM: Acetaminophen 

• 3:00 AM: Ibuprofen 

• This schedule allows your child to receive medication every 3 hours so they are comfortable, but it does not exceed maximum dosing for acetaminophen or ibuprofen (medication must be dosed and measured appropriately).

Congestion

• Guaifenesin

• Phenylephrine (Nasal Spray)

• Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

Cough

• Dextromethorphan 

Gas

• Simethicone

Itching/Rash

• Zinc Oxide

• Aloe Vera

• Ceterizine (Zyrtec)

• Loratidine (Claritin)

Allergy

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

• Loratidine (Claritin)

• Flonase

Constipation

• Docusate

• Senna

• Miralax