Is aspirin suitable for children?

Question

I bought some aspirin when abroad fro myself and read the lablel with it in a moment of boredom.
It gives dosages for under 4's whilst the NHS book i was given when my daughter was born tells me explicitly i should not give aspirin to under 4's.
So who's right and who's wrong? Why do Europeans consider aspirin safe for under 4's and the UK does not?

Answer 1

Aspirin has been linked to Reyes disease a rare brain and liver disorder usually occurring in children which is why it should only be given under strict medical supervision to anyone under the age of 12. It also thins the blood (usual reason for it being prescribed now) and even in adults can cause irritation or bleeding in the stomach. I don't know why some European countries still allow it's use in children, the Laws regulating labelling and use of drugs varies so much.
As there are far safer drugs anyway Paracetamol or Ibuprofen why take an unnecessary risk!
When I was a child Aspirin was about the only OTC painkiller you could buy and I regularly needed them. I have had 50+ years of stomach problems, and consider myself lucky at that! My sisters daughter died from a stomach hemorrhage at 18 month old.

Answer 2

Absolutely not!!!! Aspirin should NEVER BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 17 YEARS OF AGE THAT SHOW SYMPTOMS OF THE FLU OR CHICKEN POX. Regardless, what the Europeans say about aspirin.

Aspirin is linked to a very rare and serious disease of the liver and brain. This disease is known as Reyes Syndrome. The symptoms of Reyes Syndrome include a dangerous high fever, extreme dehydration, increased pressure on the brain, swollen liver, and likelihood of death.

I was extremely sick when I was a child that included a fever of well over 106 degrees F, extreme dehydration, seizures as a direct result of the extreme fever, sunken eyes, and meningitis like conditions. If it was not for god's love and him giving me a second chance at life I would have died that day because the dozen or so doctors that were working on me had gave up. It was not until after I started to have severe seizures, some 10 years later, when they discovered the link between my serious condition and the St. Joesph Aspirin that was given to me while I had the flu. The doctors that was taken care of me at the time came to the conclusion that I had an extremely severe case of Reyes Syndrome and not Meningitis like my doctors originally thought I had.

I also believe that this serious condition that I had when I was a child lead to my speech impairment, my epilepsy, and learning disabilities.

Answer 3

In America, aspirin is not used for those under the age of 17. It can cause death from SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome. Use acetaminophen or ibuprophen instead.

Answer 4

I would just like to point out to Cheryl J that 'Calpol' is Paracetamol!

BTW, Ibuprofen (which is actually a derivative of Aspirin) interferes which the body's natural healing processes.

Answer 5

NO NO NO....reyes syndrome is the most common complication from giving aspirin to infants..causes secvere swelling of the brain.

Answer 6

NO. asprin should never be given to children under 13 due to the risk of Reyes Syndrome

Answer 7

Over here on the back of pill packets (i.e ibuprofen, paracetamol) it gives a doseage for adults 12& over and then one for children 12 & under. I dont think it states a minimum age but would not give to under 4's. Something specifically for children would be ideal. i.e calpol

Answer 8

Apparently NOT!

Yet, when my son was small we could buy "Children's Aspirin" - wish I had a bottle now, it'd be straight on eBay and probably net me a fortune!

Answer 9

I wouldn't use it under 4, it can irritate the stomach lining very quickly. Also if the child is prone to asthma an allergic reaction can start.

Answer 10

You should never give asprin to under 12's and the doctor will tell you this.