What Over-the-Counter Headache Medications Are Safe for Kids?
Key takeaways:
Most children experience headaches at some point. Some may even suffer from migraines.
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) can help treat a child’s headache. But a child’s age plays a role in which medication is the most appropriate.
It’s recommended to talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you’re concerned or unsure how to safely treat their headache.
One of the most common complaints you might hear from your child is that they have a headache. Aside from the pain and discomfort headaches cause, they can also lead to disruptions in your child’s ability to sleep, concentrate at school, or carry out other daily activities.
While it’s difficult to see your child in pain, it can be even harder to know where to start when deciding on a treatment. Headaches can be caused by several factors, and many over-the-counter (OTC) products are available for you to consider using.
Here, we’ll cover which OTC headache medications are considered safe for kids, what should be avoided, and what your alternative options are.
What OTC headache medications are safe for kids?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) are typically the go-to options. But, predictably, they have a few key differences to be aware of.
Acetaminophen is a pain and fever reducer. Ibuprofen and naproxen both belong to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). All three medications relieve pain and lower inflammation. Acetaminophen lowers inflammation to a lesser extent than ibuprofen and naproxen.
More information is available in the table below.
| Medication | Minimum age for self-use | Dosage forms | Recommended dose | Maximum dose in 24 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | 2 years old | Tablets, chewable tablets, oral liquids, suppositories, caplets | Weight-based dose every 4 hours as needed for symptoms | 3,000 mg to 4,000 mg (12 years and older) |
| Ibuprofen | 2 years old | Tablets, oral liquids, chewable tablets, caplets | Weight-based dose every 6-8 hours as needed for symptoms | 1,200 mg (12 years and older) |
| Naproxen | 12 years old | Tablets, gelcaps, caplets | 1 pill (220 mg) every 8-12 hours as needed for symptoms | 660 mg (12 years and older) |
If your child is younger than the age cutoffs mentioned above, it’s a good idea to check in with their healthcare provider. They can tell you if a particular medication is safe to take, and they can also recommend safe dosing for your child. For instance, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are often given to kids younger than 2 years old, but safe dosing can vary from child to child.
What about OTC migraine medications?
Migraines are a type of headache. They can be complex and have other symptoms, like nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and vision changes. When they happen, medications are often used as a source of relief. Medication should be taken at the first sign of a migraine.
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are also considered safe for treating migraines in kids. They can all provide some benefit, but one small study showed that ibuprofen is twice as likely to fully treat a migraine in 2 hours compared to acetaminophen.
However, if your child suffers from severe or recurrent migraines, a stronger prescription medication may be necessary. Medications like rizatriptan (Maxalt) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) are FDA-approved migraine medications for children. Your child’s healthcare provider can tell you more about prescription migraine medications.
Unsure if your child has a migraine or a headache? A healthcare provider can help determine if your child is experiencing a migraine or a headache.
How do you know what dosage is safe for children’s OTC headache medications?
It’s important to keep in mind that appropriate dosing usually depends on your child’s age and body weight. It’s recommended to use each product as directed by a healthcare provider and the instructions provided on the product’s label. Most OTC pain medications marketed for kids provide specific dosing directions on their packaging that you can look out for.
If you aren’t sure what dose is best, or how to administer a medication, it’s a safe bet to ask a pharmacist for guidance.
Can any supplements help treat headaches in kids?
We don’t know for sure. There’s some data, but we need more evidence before making any conclusions. Examples of vitamins and minerals that have been researched for headache relief include:
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Studies have shown that low levels of these substances in a person’s body may be linked to headaches. However, dosing or effectiveness in children isn’t well known for these supplements.
What OTC headache medications are not safe for kids?
Aspirin-containing products should be avoided. This is true for all children and adolescents under the age of 19. Taking aspirin as a child or adolescent may cause Reye’s syndrome — a dangerous health condition that can cause brain swelling and liver damage.
Because of this risk, you should also avoid Excedrin (acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine). This is an OTC medication that contains aspirin that’s used to treat migraines. Excedrin shouldn’t be taken by anyone under the age of 19 without talking to a healthcare provider first.
What side effects should you watch out for with children’s headache medicine?
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are generally well-tolerated. But similarly to other medications, there are still some side effects to watch for.
In rare cases, acetaminophen can cause liver problems if you take too much of it. Contact a healthcare provider if your child experiences any of the following symptoms, which may be signs of liver problems:
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Severe stomach pain
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Dark urine
Ibuprofen and naproxen may cause an upset stomach, and some people tolerate it better when taken with food. If your child usually experiences an upset stomach while using ibuprofen or naproxen, consider switching to acetaminophen.
When should I talk to a healthcare provider about my child’s headache?
If you’re unsure what to do to treat your child’s symptoms, it’s recommended to contact their healthcare provider as soon as you can. Situations in which it’s recommended to talk to a healthcare provider include headaches or migraines with:
Changes in mental state
Abnormal eye movements
Loss or changes in coordination
Symptoms like these can be signs of a chronic (long-lasting) migraine. In some cases, these types of symptoms may also prompt a healthcare provider to run imaging tests to see if there’s a more serious underlying cause.
You should also consider contacting your child’s healthcare provider if a headache or migraine doesn’t go away or gets worse. They may recommend a prescription medication or another treatment option altogether.
Can you treat or prevent a child’s headache without medications?
Yes. Medications are just one option. There are many different approaches to treating and preventing the different types of headaches in kids. Small changes in their daily routine can go a long way.
Rest and get proper sleep
Lack of sleep — or disrupted sleep — can cause headaches. Getting adequate sleep can be a helpful treatment for a headache. It can also help prevent future headaches. To help them rest, you could consider placing your child in a calm, dark room and folding a cool, damp cloth on their forehead.
Monitor caffeine intake
Coffee or soft drinks containing caffeine can contribute to headaches. In some cases, headaches can be a symptom of stopping caffeine intake. Consider limiting a child’s caffeine intake over time if possible.
Reduce stress
Stress can also cause headaches. Talk to your child and see if anything is causing them stress. Consider relaxation and breathing techniques to help lower their stress levels.
Stay hydrated and well-fed
It’s important that your child stays hydrated and well-fed throughout the day. Dehydration and skipping meals can be triggers for headaches and migraines. Plus, headaches are a possible symptom of low blood sugar. Episodes of low blood sugar are more likely to happen if and when meals are skipped.
The bottom line
Headaches are common in children, and it can be difficult to navigate them as a parent or caretaker. It’s important to consider lifestyle changes like adequate sleep, lowering caffeine intake, and reducing stress when possible.
But when they’re needed, OTC medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are go-to options for treating headaches. But if symptoms are severe or worrisome, a child will likely need further examination and treatment by a healthcare provider.
Why trust our experts?
References
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Food and Drug Administration. (2015). OTC drug facts label.
Hämäläinen, M. L., et al. (1997). Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the acute treatment of migraine in children: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Neurology.
Kacperski, J., et al. (2016). The optimal management of headaches in children and adolescents. Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders.
Lewis, D. W. (2002). Headaches in children and adolescents. American Family Physician.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2019). Coenzyme Q10.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Riboflavin: Fact sheet for consumers.
