So if I need to give dd1 (ASD) painkillers, what should I go for?

[silverfrog]

Dd1 is 3. she has woken up this morning with earache (possible infection, haven't been to docs but she is prone). She has been crying all morning, and rubbing her ear.

Don't want to give her Calpol really, but what are the alternatives? Sent dh to chemists to get the sugared own-brand version of Calpol, but that now has sweeteners in it as well (saccharin).

Does anyone know what I can give her?

I'm sorry I only know calpol or the nurofen calpol. I find even half a teaspoon makes a big difference. Or could you crush up a tiny bit of an adult paracetemol tablet in juice??

You could speak to the chemist and see if they have any suggestions. If there are allergy issues or substances you don't want your child exposed to then mention this.

Otherwise talk to your doctor.

Thanks.

I always heard that you shouldn't try to dissolve anything that wasn't specifically made for dissolving, so have steered away from that.

The chemists were spectacularly unhelpful - their attitude seems to be that we are absolutely crazy for even suggesting we don't want dd to have any sweeteners. They even thought we were mad for asking for a dosing syringe ("can't she take it off a spoon?" they asked sweetly, which of curse would be why we asked for a syringe, just to make their life more complicated...)

We gave her the own-brand paracetomol stuff in the end. It worked for the pain, but she was up half the night climbing the walls so obviously wasn't good for her.

Thanks again, will keep hunting around for an alternative.

Hi Silverfrog,

I'm surprised to hear the poor service you received from the chemist. Can I just confirm did you speak to the actual chemist or one of the assistants? If it was the actual chemist then it was a very poor showing as they are trained to deal with questions like this and should have been able to help you.