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Pain & Symptom Relief

How to comfort the ouchies, big and small. Learn about medication selection, dosing, timing, and safe use of Tylenol, Motrin, and more.

Safe Use of Humidifiers and Vapor Rubs in Children

Safe Use of Humidifiers and Vapor Rubs in Children

Cold season has a special talent for humbling parents. One minute, you are confident and well rested. The next, you are standing in your kitchen at 2 a.m. holding a humidifier manual, trying to understand the English language with only one eye open. As a parent, I will fully

Managing Side Effects: What’s Normal Vs. What Needs Medical Attention

Managing Side Effects: What’s Normal Vs. What Needs Medical Attention

When my daughter was 4, she had a strange rash with some hives. We believe a virus caused them. After talking to her pediatrician, I decided to try an antihistamine. Cetirizine (Zyrtec®) would have been ideal, but I was out! So I gave her a dose of liquid diphenhydramine (Benadryl®

Pediatric Headache Management During School Stress

Pediatric Headache Management During School Stress

Headaches are among the most common health problems in children, and they tend to become more noticeable during the school year. As an adult, whenever I experience a major change in work, schedule, or family life, I usually get a headache about a week later. Kids are no different! Busy

Sports Injury Pain Control and Safe Use of OTC Pain Relievers

Sports Injury Pain Control and Safe Use of OTC Pain Relievers

Children and teenagers often get bumps, sprains, and sore muscles while playing sports. We’ve had many twisted ankles in our house thanks to gymnastics and the monkey bars. As a parent and pharmacist, I’ve given out lots of ice packs, and I know that injury and pain are

Tylenol vs. Motrin: When to Use Each

Tylenol vs. Motrin: When to Use Each

When your child has a fever, is in pain, or just feels crummy (that's the official medical term for yuckiness in kids), you’re likely reaching for Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Motrin® (ibuprofen). But what’s the difference? Is one better? Can you alternate them? Do you even need

Can You Give Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Together for Kids? A Pharmacist's Guide

Can You Give Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Together for Kids? A Pharmacist's Guide

Remember the infamous 2023 “tripledemic” of RSV, flu, and COVID? I sure do. My 15-month-old got walloped by RSV and then tested positive for COVID during our second urgent care visit in two days. Along with breathing issues, he had a stubborn fever that refused to break. That’s when

Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves for Every Stage

Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves for Every Stage

Keeping your little ones healthy and happy is your top priority! To help you feel ready for any surprises, we’ve created this quick guide on essential items to keep in your medicine cabinet for every stage of your child’s development. From newborns to school-age kids, we’ve got