Ibuprofen Makes Baby Cough

Updated on June 12, 2011
L.N. asks from Circle Pines, MN
12 answers

I have offered my 14 mo old infants advil and a couple generic brands of infants ibuprofen drops. He always coughs as if it irritates his throat. I tried it and sure enough, it made me cough too!. I'm hoping moms have advice for me as Tylenol doesn't work well for my baby. Btw, i've tried giving it to him with juice, milk and chasing it with water. Nothing works. Can any moms out there help? Been through the same thing? A brand of infants ibuprofen that works for them? Any advice appreciated!!!

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J.B.

answers from Detroit on

There might be something in it that he is allergic to. I would contact my pediatrician if it were me and ask for advice on what to give him. There is probably alcohol in the drops.

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

;

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K.W.

answers from Seattle on

Look for alternatives to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This is the class of drugs that includes tylenol, ibuprophen, asprin, and a few other over-the-counter painkillers.

What are you medicating? Pain or fever?

Fever can be managed without NSAIDS. Generally, fever can be safely allowed to run its course. The body will cycle the fever up and down as needed. If the child is acting cold, wrapping up in blankets, etc, the fever is doing what it's supposed to: help the child get better faster. Don't try and cool them down. If a child starts sweating, throwing off blankets, or complaining of being too hot, they may need help cooling down. Tepid (not cold) baths, or sponging them with water and allowing it to evaporate from their body may help. If a child is seriously overheating and you cannot cool them with water, go to ER. If they're that sick, they should be under a doctor's care.

Pain relief really depends on what hurts and where. Teething pain can often be relieved by cold washcloths on gums. Ice packs are good for bumps and bruises. If your child is in chronic pain, that's also something to consult a doctor about.

You can also try homeopathic remedies. They may or may not work, but they are unlikely to cause any harm.

Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

In addition to all the suggestions that it might be an allergy, I also have heard that for some people with asthma, that it can worsen symptoms rapidly. One friend is a nurse and has asthma, and she cannot use ibuprofen at all.

And coughing CAN be an asthma symptom.

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M.O.

answers from Chicago on

follow it up with a "chaser" of water, it works everytime

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R.S.

answers from New York on

Ibuprofen in some people can trigger wheezing.

I would no give ibuprofen and call your doctor to evaluate for asthma if that has not happened already.

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E.B.

answers from Seattle on

It ibprofen gives me a horrible stomach..I would think if it does it to a grown-up it would be the same for a baby.

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L.S.

answers from San Francisco on

maybe he is allergic to it. I wouldn't use it. You could try the children's chewable kind if that doesn't bother him. I use that kind with my daughter. She is 19 months old and gets one whole one.

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A.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

have you tried baby asprin instead?

J.S.

answers from Hartford on

If he's coughing it really is because it's irritating his throat and there's something in it, whether it's additives or the ibuprofen itself, that he's allergic or sensitive to. I had this issue with my daughters until I switched from the red infant drops and later the liquids to the dye-free free versions. In our case it was entirely due to being allergic to the red dyes they use in the red and purple flavors.

R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try the dye-free version, I buy it a Target. My guy hated the regular type and got upset when he took it a couple of times though I don't remember him coughing. I happened to see the dye-free one one day , bought it, and have been giving it to him since. He takes it willingly, so I'm guessing the dye in the regular one irritated him.

Also, talk to your pediatrician so they're aware of the coughing with your son. i cough with certain meds and they have induced asthma attacks so I can no longer take them.

S.J.

answers from St. Louis on

Sounds like a possible allergy to me. I would quit using it and call your pediatrician in the morning. A certain brand of popcorn used to do this to my husband. Turns out one of the ingredients caused lung cancer (has since been removed from the market) and he was allergic to it.

Good luck!

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