Common Painkiller Mistakes Parents Should Avoid

When your child is in pain, your first thought is to reach for a painkiller to help them feel better. Whether it’s a fever, teething pain, or sore throat, many parents choose a painkiller for children like paracetamol or neurofen.

These medicines are often available at local pharmacies or ordered easily from online UK chemists.

While they’re helpful when used correctly, even a small mistake in dosage or timing can put your child at risk. Let’s explore the common errors parents make and how to avoid them.

5 Common mistakes parents make

Giving the Wrong Dose

Many parents don’t realise how easy it is to give the wrong amount of medicine. Doses should always be measured using the tool that comes with the medicine.

A kitchen spoon is not accurate and can lead to a heavy dose or too little, which won’t help at all. Most pain relief for children comes with a measuring cup or oral syringe. Always check the amount based on your child’s weight, not just age.

Repeating a Dose Too Soon

Another mistake is giving another dose because the first one doesn’t seem to be working. But both paracetamol and neurofen need time to show results, usually around 30 to 45 minutes.

Giving a second dose too early can cause harm, especially to the liver in the case of paracetamol.

For safety, you should wait at least four hours between doses and never give more than four doses in 24 hours. Write down the time you give each dose to keep track easily.

Mixing Medicines with the Same Ingredient

Some parents unknowingly give two different products that contain the same active ingredient.

For example, they might give a cough syrup that already has paracetamol and then give another dose of paracetamol on top of that. This can result in an accidental overdose.

Always read the label and check ingredients before combining any medicines. Many pain relief products for children have added ingredients, so double-checking is important.

Using the Wrong Type of Painkiller

Giving adult versions of medicine instead of a painkiller for children is a serious mistake. Children’s bodies are not built to handle the strength and concentration of adult medication.

You should only use medicine that clearly says it’s for children. Both paracetamol and neurofen come in child-specific liquid forms that are safer and easier to swallow.

Skipping the Instructions

Sometimes, in a rush to make their child feel better, parents don’t read the instructions properly. Each product has its own dose guide, even if the active ingredient is the same. Paracetamol syrup, for example, comes in different strengths.

One brand might have 120 mg in 5 ml, and another might have 250 mg. Giving the wrong amount can be dangerous. Always read the instructions from start to finish before giving any medicine.

Why These Mistakes Matter

Paracetamol and neurofen are trusted by parents around the world. But just because they are common doesn’t mean they are risk-free. Giving even slightly too much paracetamol over time can harm the liver.

Long-term use of neurofen may upset the stomach or affect the kidneys. These medicines are helpful only when used correctly. That’s why proper care, correct doses, and clear instructions matter every time.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

Use the Right Measuring Tool

Only use the tool that comes with the medicine or ask a pharmacist for an oral syringe. Kitchen spoons are not accurate.

Dose Based on Weight

Always check your child’s weight and use the correct dose. Don’t guess based on age alone. Most medicine boxes include a weight-based dosing chart.

Keep a Medicine Log

Use a notebook or phone app to track every dose. This helps avoid giving extra medicine too soon or forgetting the last dose time.

Store Medicine Safely

Keep pain relief for the child out of reach and locked away. Children can mistake colourful bottles for candy.

Inform Your Doctor

Let your doctor know if you are giving over-the-counter medicines for more than two days. It’s always safer to get medical advice for ongoing symptoms.

Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

Even if you’ve used pain relief for your child before, it’s important to double-check these medical facts. Following these extra safety tips can help you avoid serious mistakes.

Minimum Age and Weight Rules Matter

Paracetamol is usually safe for babies older than 1 month, but Nurofen (ibuprofen) should only be given if your baby is over 3 months old and weighs more than 5kg.

Giving it earlier can be risky because young babies can’t process some medicines well. Always check your baby’s age and weight before giving pain relief, especially for the first time.

Never Give Aspirin to Children

Aspirin might sound like a common painkiller, but it’s not safe for children under 12.

It has been linked to a rare and dangerous illness called Reye’s syndrome, which can cause serious liver and brain damage. Many adult medicines contain aspirin, so always read the label before giving any medicine to your child.

Can You Give Both Paracetamol and Nurofen?

Some parents try to give paracetamol and Nurofen (ibuprofen) one after the other to reduce fever or pain faster.

While this can be safe in certain situations, it should only be done under a doctor’s guidance. If your child is still in pain after taking one medicine, do not guess the next step.

Mixing painkillers without a proper plan increases the risk of overdose. If a doctor advises alternating, write down the exact dose and time each one was given to avoid confusion.

Try Comfort Before Medicine

Medicine isn’t always the first step. For minor pain, start with comfort:

• Offer hugs or calm their environment
• Use a cold or warm cloth on the sore area
• Keep them well-hydrated
• Read a story or offer a quiet distraction

Pain relief doesn’t always have to come from a bottle. These gentle methods often help small children feel better quickly.

Watch for Serious Side Effects

Painkillers like paracetamol and Nurofen are generally safe when used correctly. But in rare cases, children can have bad reactions. Call your doctor or visit A&E if your child shows:

• Breathing problems
• Blood in vomit, pee, or poo
• Unusual sleepiness, confusion, or irritability
• Swollen lips, tongue, or face

These signs may mean something more serious is going on, and quick action could protect your child’s health.

When Should You Avoid Giving Painkillers

Not every illness needs a painkiller. If your child has signs of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, itchy nose, or watery eyes, the real issue might be allergies, not pain.

Also, if your child’s immune system is already low due to illness, using medicine often without a doctor’s advice may do more harm than good. Medicine should not be a shortcut to avoid doctor visits. Use it only when clearly needed.

Use pain relief for children when your child has common issues like teething pain, fever, sore throat, or ear pain. If the child is in visible discomfort and can’t sleep or eat properly, medicine helps.

But if the pain lasts more than two days or keeps returning, it’s time to see a doctor. Painkillers are meant for short-term use, not long-term care.

Shop Smart and Safe with Trusted Online UK Chemists

Giving your child the right pain relief starts with getting the right products from reliable sources. Trusted online UK chemists make it easy to find safe, approved medicines like paracetamol and Nurofen for children.

You can explore a wide range of pain relief products and expert advice, all from the comfort of your home. Whether it's managing a fever or soothing teething pain, make sure to choose an online pharmacy that offers child-safe formulations, clear instructions, and pharmacist-approved guidance