Oh, the joys of motherhood. Are they boundless? It would appear so. A few days ago my child was diagnosed with Strep Throat. It wouldn't have been so terrible, but he started showing symptoms on a Friday night, as all children do. Who ever heard of someone getting sick during the week when a doctor's office is actually open, anyway? And exactly what do you do when your child is too big for infant drops yet too small for swallowing tablets? The answer is simple: Advil Junior Strength Chewable Tablets!

What is it?
Advil is actually Ibuprofen, not aspirin. Aspirin, given to children, has been associated with the disease called Reye's syndrome, so you must always use an alternative. My doctor clued me in to a trick when trying to reduce a fever: alternate with Acetomeniphin (Tylenol) to bring fever down more effectively! When I questioned my pediatrician about sore throat pain since my son refused the topical sprays, she said that the Advil tablets would also help with the sore throat pain. She was correct.

Who is it for?
This medicine is used for children aged 6 to 11 according to the bottle of medicine. My child, however, is only 4 but weighs enough to take a higher dosage than those in his age group. The instructions on the bottle indicate that when deciding on a dose for your child, one should go by weight rather than age. On the bottle it advises to consult your physician if your child is less than 48 pounds. This medicine is acceptable for a child between the weight of 48 and 95 pounds.

What is it for?
I use this medicine primarily as a fever reducer, but it does have quite a few other functions. It can be used to relieve aches and pains associated with the common cold, flu-like symptoms, sore throats, headaches and toothaches.

How long will it work?
As any mother probably does, I generally re-dose when my child's fever begins to go up and forget about counting hours! However, in the interest of fairness, I will say that the manufacturer recommends only dosing your child every 6-8 hours and use no more than 4 times daily.

How Does it Taste?
Well, folks, it's medicine. Medicine is not supposed to taste like candy, mainly because we don't want Junior snacking on it should he find some just laying around. That said, this stuff isn't that bad. The tablets come in grape and fruit flavor, and my son will take them both, but prefers the fruit flavor. It is pinkish red in color and that generally goes over better than purple and orange. I gather from Ty that they taste a tad bit chalky, but he can get them chewed up as long as I have a tall glass of ice water next to him to wash it all down!

Possible Side Effects
No one I know has ever experienced any side effects from taking this medicine, but you may want to give it with food or milk to prevent an upset stomach. If your child did have an allergic reaction to taking this medicine the symptoms may include hives, asthma-like wheezing, facial swelling and/or shock. Should any of these symptoms occur, you should seek medical assistance immediately.

Cost
The price varies a bit depending on what store you use, but generally a bottle of 24 chewable tablets will run $4.00. My child must take 2 1/2 tablets per dose, so the bottle generally lasts me through at least two viruses!

General Information
If you have any questions, you may call the company at their toll-free number 1-800-88-ADVIL. They also have a website at www.advil.com.



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