How to pick the right pain medicine for children

Selecting a pain medicine for children can sometimes be confusing. The results of a new study may help make navigating this task easier.

New research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics confirms that ibuprofen is more effective when treating broken bones, bruises and sprains. Ibuprofen beat out acetaminophen and even prescription codeine in helping to relieve children's pain.

According to the study, visits to hospital emergency rooms for musculoskeletal pain in children are very common. They can also be very painful. Despite this, adequate pain medication is often not provided to these young patients.

A research team from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario evaluated 300 children aged 6 to 17 years who were brought to the hospital for pain from an injury to their arms and legs, necks or backs. Each child was randomly given ibuprofen, acetaminophen or codeine.

Children who received ibuprofen experienced greater pain relief 60 minutes after receiving the dose than children receiving the other two medications. In addition, patients taking ibuprofen did not need to take additional doses, where as patients taking acetaminophen or codeine did need additional doses in order to achieve adequate pain relief.

For serious injuries always consult the child's doctor before selecting a course of treatment.

This story is provided by State Point Media.