Dec 20, 2022 --- Your local pharmacy is out of over-the-counter pain relievers for children again. But, dear parents, before the thought of runny noses, sleepless nights and overzealous kids threatens your vacation plans, there are a few options.
There's no official shortage of Tylenol for kids in the United States, but according to Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, which makes the product, it's been ''a very difficult cold and flu season.'' , the company says there is a surge in demand for these products. in a statement.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure that people have access to the products they need, including maximizing our manufacturing capacity, operating 24/7, and shipping products continuously,” the statement said. says. Motlins for kids are also harder to find in stores this holiday season. This may be due to a ''surge in pediatric cases of respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID and RSV,'' said Logan Tucker, spokesman for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association.
“Parents may need to make several stops to find what they need, and additional self-care alternatives should also be considered for greater convenience and ease with the health care provider director. There is,'' says Tucker.
Tucker says parents don't need to stock up on painkillers for their children. Both CVS and his Walgreens pharmacy recently announced caps on the number of children's pain relievers that can be purchased in stores. CVS places a limit of two products on all children's pain relievers, both in stores and online, and Walgreens has up to six over-the-counter children's pain relievers for online purchase.The supermarket chain Kroger also limits purchases of pain relievers for children to two products.
discover your potential
Don't be afraid to try generic versions of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin), says Dr. Joseph Perno.
''Most stores have their own versions of these drugs,'' he says.
learn the basics
If your child is feeling unwell, always keep in mind standard best practices for treating ailments such as: B. Drink lots of fluids. ''If they're not eating, a pedialyte or sports drink can be very effective at keeping them hydrated during their illness.''
If your child sleeps more than usual, it may also be normal. Try to wake up often enough to keep drinking liquids.
Seeking further medical assistance
''If your child's fever lasts three to five days, it's worth seeing a doctor,'' says Perno.
A change in mental state, breathing problems such as shortness of breath or rapid breathing, or a change in skin color can be signs of a more serious problem. Dehydration symptoms such as crying but not crying, dry mouth, and the child not going to the bathroom as often as usual also fall into this camp. If your child has any of these symptoms, they should be seen in the emergency room, Perno says.