DH administering medication unnecessarily AIBU?

[Clareyfairy24]

So, last night I went to Pilates (my weekly 2 hours to myself), was dreading it as DS is breastfed and has started rejecting the bottle, DH left to settle him for bed. I get home and DS is flat out. He refused the bottle apparently, got into a right state, and passed out. Anyway, didn't stir at all when I went to bed which he normally wakes for a dream feed and every 2-3 hours after. DS slept through to 5.30am!!! I was beside myself with happiness, hoping it not just a one off. Called DH at lunchtime today, chatting about actually sleeping last night and DH confesses he gave DS calpol because he was 'stressing'. Am fuming, I feel that giving him medicine for that reason unnecessary and also now feel totally deflated as likelyhood is that's why he slept so well- AIBU?

The most common side effect of paracetamol is 'drowsiness and fatigue'..

I disagree with the overuse of paracetamol in general and especially for babies.

I could go on but Mumsnet is not the place ....

The most common side effect of paracetamol is 'drowsiness and fatigue

According to whom? None of the studies I've read say this.

Side-effects from paracetamol have been consistently proven to be very rare.

First link I found. Drug info

the calpol would not have made baby sleep unless pain was why he was not sleeping. So if the calpol did indeed make your baby sleep then your DP did the right thing!

I would have done the same as your DH. If you've discounted everything else then there's a possibility they're in pain from something so try calpol.

Would you have preferred him to call you out of your Pilates class?
In future I guess you can discuss it but it doesn't sound like he was wrong necessarily. Though if baby was so upset he "passed out" after I would be heartbroken and stuffing the Pilates class. Maybe a Saturday morning or Sunday would be better if he gets distressed without you at bedtime?

So DS got aggro refusing a bottle so DH gave him medication? I'd be annoyed about this. Yes it is not outside the realms of possibility that he was in pain, however, since OP has said DS has been refusing the bottle it's far more likely that he was just frustrated and probably hungry. I would rather not my child be drugged because they were acting out - it's medically not a good idea and it's lazy as fuck parenting to boot.

And don't feel guilty about going to pilates. It sounds like it's important for your wellbeing. Have you tried other bottle brands?

There is no scientific reason that paracetamol can cause drowsiness. In the studies where it has been reported it is largely attributed to the placebo effect. Studies involving children and paracetamol do not report drowsiness as a side-effect.

OP if the Calpol did affect sleep, it would be by alleviating the pain which was preventing sleep.