In most children and young people, paracetamol and
ibuprofen are unlikely to cause harm when they are
used at the correct doses for short periods (DTB, 2008).
Confusion caused by using brand names for over-thecounter
analgesics can create the potential for the
correct doses to be exceeded. It is very important that
you and the child’s parents keep accurate records of
what the child has taken, both in hospital and at home.
You could give parents a simple tick chart to use at
home, to increase safety.