Why would I want to give Acetaminophen to my child? It is a fair question, and since I started this train of thought, I will step up to the plate. I can give you both the doctor’s answer and the parent’s answer; first the doctor’s response. Acetaminophen (Tylenol from here on for the typing impaired) is a chemical that has antipyretic and anti-pain effects, which means it helps with pain and fever. However, I think the Doctor’s answer is obvious and I was asked why I would give Tylenol, so the parent’s answer is due.
Like most fathers, I struggle to do the best for my children. What foods to give them, what media should they be exposed to, or what advice to give them to help them deal with a child at school. When I make a decision, I rely on my education, and some things learned from my parents. Then I cross my fingers, do my best, and hope they forgive me in therapy. Making medical decisions is a similar process. I use my education, outside resources, and I try to balance risks and benefits to do the best for my kids.
Specifically to Tylenol, I view it as a potentially beneficial chemical with potential risks. In other words, there is a place for it, but it should not be overused. For example, I know medically there is no reason to treat a fever, and some evidence showing that fever is helpful in fighting infection. So, as a dad, I don’t use Tylenol to treat a fever, I use it to help my boys. What I mean is, if they are running a fever, but drinking well and resting quietly on the couch watching some silly cartoon, then that is the extent of my medical care. However, if they are so hot they are whimpering, they are half delirious, becoming dehydrated because they feel too bad to drink, or just feeling miserable, then I head for the Tylenol or Motrin (Ibuprofen).
Tylenol is also used for pain. Historically children’s pain has been undertreated. Shamefully, there was a time when it was thought that young children did not feel pain, and therefore even after surgery, no medication was given. I am thankful that I live in a time and in a country where I have pain medications for my boys. Less than two weeks ago, I sat beside my son in the pediatric ICU after he had surgery. Like most parents in that situation, I felt completely helpless. But I was grateful that we were able to give him medication (including Tylenol) to ease his severe pain. At home, in more prosaic circumstances, I don’t use meds every time my child is teething or scrapes his knee. But if my boys are in enough pain that a simple hug doesn’t help, I also head for the meds.
The reason ultimately then that I give Tylenol to MY children is because I love them, and I don’t want to see them suffer. Do I worry about the risks inherent in every medication? Of course I do, but when do parents ever stop worrying about their children? Again, it is all a matter of balancing risks and benefits, and the ability to make my poor, little, miserable, boy feel better is certainly worth it for me.
So that is my reasoning. How you treat your children is a decision that you will make on your own. So I wish you all the best in making your choices. As a pediatrician, I am happy to give what advice and information I can, and I hope you find it helpful.
