|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Ear Ache Medication for Children

Almost every child will encounter the occasional earache. The signs that your child has developed one include irritability, general ear pain and ear pulling. Luckily, several over-the-counter and prescription medications can treat the pain.

  1. Pain Relievers

    • Earaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Don't give children aspirin, as it may cause Reye's syndrome in children under 18.

    Decongestants

    • Decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine can be taken by children to relieve the pressure around the ear, providing pain relief. It can be taken in tablet or nasal drop form.

    Ear Drops

    • Your child's pediatrician may prescribe analgesic ear drops such as Auralgan, if his ear is free of drainage and he doesn't have tubes in his ears.

    Antibiotics

    • If your child's earache is a symptom of an ear infection, your doctor may give her a prescription antibiotic like amoxicillin.

    Warning

    • See a physician if an earache or a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit doesn't improve within two hours of taking medication. Also watch for dizziness, inconsolable crying and ear swelling.

Childrens Health - Related Articles