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Children's health

4 month old & paracetamol

10 replies

WhyNotSmile · 30/12/2014 23:59

My DS is 4 months (almost 4), and seems to be teething. He is generally ok during the day, but in the evening when he's getting tired the pain seems to trouble him. we've been giving him infant paracetamol, just one dose in the evening, and that seems to work. However, the box says that the medicine should not be given for more than 3 days without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.

Would this still apply if he's only getting 1 dose per day (max allowed is 4, I think)? Does anyone know what the 3-day limit is for? Nothing else is as good for getting rid of the pain, so I really would like to have the option of giving it to him

I'm going to go to the chemist in the morning and ask, but wondered whether anyone could advise me in the meantime? Thanks!

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jasper · 31/12/2014 03:00

no please don't give him meds .
" teething " does not exist.

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Sirzy · 31/12/2014 07:41

It should be fine but certainly check.

Have you tried things like dentinox gel as a first option before Paracetamol?

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Thegreatunslept · 31/12/2014 07:49

3 doses over 3 days will be ok but not good to do long term. As above try teething powders or teething gel 1st if they give relief they are better to use long term.

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Lonecatwithkitten · 31/12/2014 15:51

Jasper tell that to my 10 year old who has cried regularly at night as she has cut adult teeth.
Personally I believe teething is really painful I used noël sons teething powders and carpol.

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Mabelface · 31/12/2014 15:57

Of course teething exists! You not ever stayed up with a baby cutting their back teeth? Use paracetamol wisely and only when required. Anbesol liquid is brilliant stuff too.

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WhyNotSmile · 31/12/2014 16:00

Mostly we give him teething powders, but at night he really needs the paracetamol to let him sleep at the moment. I checked with the pharmacist today, and she said it would be ok (we're not giving him the 4 doses a day that he could have). Thanks for the advice - and I'll look into the other things suggested.

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LindsayS79 · 01/01/2015 13:02

I just asked my GP the same as my DD is cutting 6 teeth at the mo Sad and I've had to give paracetemol for more than the 3 days (or nurofen on bad nights). He said that as long as we don't go over the daily dose then it's fine.
I use anbesol and granules during the day

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J10H12 · 02/01/2015 09:57

The 3 day limit isn't about paracetamol not being safe (even if using 4x a day). If a condition lasts for longer than 3 days and requires pain killers it's best to contact the GP to find out what is causing the problem. It's likely that this warning is part of the licensing for the medicine and needs to be on the pack.
In this case the cause is clear and so no need to see GP. I'd also use Bonjela or Calgel to ease the discomfort.

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WhyNotSmile · 03/01/2015 12:45

Thanks J10H12, I remember being told that before when I was taking paracetamol after having a tooth out. wasn't sure whether it applied in this case.

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crazykat · 03/01/2015 19:47

Of course 'teething' exists. I was in agony when my wisdom teeth came through.

I've always given my dcs the odd dose of calpol when they were cutting their teeth, especially the first tooth and molars. As pp have said, the three day advice is most likely to make sure the underlying cause of the pain is ascertained and if necessary is treated. You can always phone your gp or see the pharmacist for advice but I think it will be fine as long as you stick to the stated dose.

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