Too much calpol/ibruprofen

[ThePippy]

Just wondered what peoples view is on this. My son is an awful teether, with each tooth being accompanied with blister inducing nappies, face rash, irruption haematoma on gums and a hacking cough/cold. We help ease his discomfort with the usual gels and powders, but frankly they don't even touch the edges of his pain, so we often have to resort to something more powerful like calpol or ibruprofen during nights otherwise we have hours of wakefulness and crying. Problem is he is also a bloody slow teether...he is cutting 2 molars currently and one has been coming for at least 3 weeks (still not fully out) and the other was partially out then disappeared under a big swelling/blister on his gum, before breaking through again... this one after 3 weeks is only out by one of the 4 points on the tooth! So we have probably medicated at least once each night for 3 weeks now. I try to alternate which medicine he has and only give at night when things are bad, but as I said this has been going on for 3 weeks now and the teeth are nowhere near done with causing him pain. I am having a real dilemma now as I can't just leave him in pain, but both medicines clearly state a max number of days use. Is this max number of days if you are using every 4-6hrs all day? What would you do?

[OnTheNingNangNong]

I would leave it as long as possible between doses tbh, medicines can be damaging to the liver/kidneys in long term use.

Speak to your GP about it and see what they advise.

You have my sympathies, teeth are a flipping nightmare. Fingers crossed they come through soon.

I'm a hippy and believe in using Amber to help with teething, but there's no solid proof (bar experience) that it works.

[Biltongmuncher]

I know ibruprofen can hurt their tummy so would also double check with the Dr. However, will second the amber necklace. Used it for both of mine and i swear they helped.

[YBR]

My GP said of Calpol that it was fine to use for days as they were just covering themselves, however we wern't talking weeks so do check. Also, we have been advised that DCs can take both paracetamol and Ibuprofen so at the worst points of DD's teething we do Calpol - 2 hours - ibuprofen - 2hours - Calpol etc. Never needed to do both for long though.

[Tobagostreet]

The max number of days usage makes the assumption of maximum dose.

Calpol (paracetamol) given in the right dosage is one of the safest drugs with fewest side affects you can get (hence you being able to buy it in a corner shop) - at least that's what a orthopaedic professor told me 2 months ago when I was lamenting about my DS being on a permanent maximum dose!

If you are not giving it multiple times a day, only giving when he is in obvious pain, and the medication is working, I think you're doing the right thing. I'd stick to the Calpol only to be honest though, and only move to Nurofen if the Calpol doesn't work.

If its really still worrying you, call your health visitor to get some reassurance.

(FYI, teething powders, teething rings, amber necklaces, etc. never worked for my kids - desperation made me try everything. With some kids it's only medical pain relief the works)

Hope he gets over it soon - teething pain is awful to watch them go through.

[sharond101]

I am a Pharmacist and regularly recommend both paracetamol and ibuprofen for teething in children. It really is a risk benefit scenario and the risks o giving one or two doses are very small compared with the benefit of reducing your lo's pain which in turn will improve their sleep, mood, enjoyment etc. There is some evidence to say using both paracetamol and ibuprofen together can be more damaging to the kidneys and using high doses (beyond the recommended) of paracetamol has nasty effects on the liver however the maximum days warning on the pack is there to safeguard the company should you use it to mask pain which is indicative of something more serious going on. As a Pharmacist I always use the maximum day advice to safeguard myself and recommend seeing the Dr if you have to give your child either ibuprofen or paracetamol at maximum doses (which you are not) for longer than 3 days. HTH.

[ThePippy]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I mentioned the necklace to my DH last night and he was not keen. We have put DS to bed with nothing both nights last 2 and within an hour had a baby rolling around screaming and inconsolable until we gave something. I will check with GP I think but it sounds from last 3 posters that actually we are well within anything that is actually dangerous to my boy! I hope these teeth are done with soon, I am on my knees with tiredness and want my happy funny little boy back!!

[seeker]

It is scientifically impossible for amber to work as a pain reliever. Don't be conned.

Good to talk to your GP for reassurance. You'll be able to relax about it then.

[babySophieRose]

Just to let you know that Anbesol liquid is the best teething remedy we had. It is a liquid lidocain and gives instant relief.

[NoWayPedro]

Agree about speaking to you GP.

My opinion for what its worth is if you were in that much pain with toothache (tell me about it, OH will NOT shut up about his wisdom tooth :() or anything else, you'd probably be having some medication. Almost seems a bit mean to refuse, although of course needs to be safe (which I think it is).