Aspirin and Children

Due to the increased number of pediatric flu and cold cases, the use of Tylenol and ibuprofen has elevated. Recently, a patient asked me why not a baby aspirin.

Aspirin should not be given to children because it may cause a rare and potentially fatal disease called Reye's Syndrome.

Reye's syndrome is a condition which causes encephalopathy (disease of the brain) with brain swelling and fatty infiltration of the liver. The mechanism is unknown but it has been associated with aspirin usage during a viral illness. Reye's syndrome is rare...about 2 reported cases per year and mortality has decreased due to early and aggressive intervention. The best way to prevent this disease is to not give children aspirin. Usually, the first signs of this syndrome are severe vomiting and lethargy several days after the viral illness, so contact your physician immediately.

Other products (not a complete list) containing aspirin (or salicylates...aspirin is a type of salicylate drug) include:
1. Alka Seltzer
2. Pepto-Bismol
3. Bufferin
4. Excedrin
5. Pamprin
6. Ecotrin

Aspirin may be given to children with certain medical conditions (but only with physician supervision) including Kawasaki's Disease, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, blood clot prevention in children with blood disorders, or rheumatic fever.

Therefore, if your child has a fever, try the following treatments:
1. Lots of fluids
2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
3. Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil)
4. Lukewarm bath
5. Light cotton pajamas
6. Keeping the room temperature between 70-74 degrees

Bottom line- No aspirin for children

For more information, talk to your primary physician. Thank you.