Toddler Fever Reducer: Advil or Tylenol?

My daughter had up to 101°F fever yesterday. She had runny nose and a slight breathing problem (which she usually gets when she has a cold). We noticed her fever around 4 in the morning. Children's Advil is what we had at home. The last time she had fever, this over-the-counter children's fever reducer was satisfactorily effective to bring her temperature down, and so when we ran out of it, we decided to get another bottle.

We gave her the recommended dose for a toddler. Her temperature decreased a little bit. Unlike the last time we used it on her, the children's Advil this time had not really help her feel better. Her temperature was noticeably hot (99°F - 100°F), making her feel tired and preferred to just close her eyes for a long nap. When my husband got home from work and found out that she still has high fever, he made a trip to the store and got her children's Tylenol. Amazingly, the medicine worked in just few minutes. Her temperature significantly dropped. She was acting her "not-sick" self, was playing, and even eating! What a relief for us parents!

We thought that her fever will come back after the medicine loses its effect. Surprisingly, she had normal temperature all throughout the night and until she woke up in the morning. Right now, she's back to her normal self—the girl who's got the whole energy in the world.

So, which is the best children's fever reducer? Children's Advil or Tylenol? When I told my husband how effective Tylenol was, he said that we can't really tell because the Advil worked best in her the last time. Well, I couldn't agree more. He's right. This time, it's just that Tylenol did the best work for us. We do not know the medical explanation why (I'm sure there is). It's best that we both have these OTC medicines in our kit when needed, and next time, find out which one does its wonder to a fever-stricken toddler.

Coupons on Recalled Children Medicine Arrives

We finally received coupons worth $17 from the company that manufactures the children medicine (Tylenol, Benadryl, Motrin, Zyrtec) that had been on recall recently. My appreciation to McNeil Consumer Healthcare for the quick action on their promise to send the coupons. $17 is already a big savings for our future purchase of Tylenol and Benadryl.

Hopefully, the company has already resolved the problem and has kept their production facility bacteria-free. Maintaining excellent quality control is the biggest gift they can give to consumers.

If you have the above-mentioned recalled products and have not filed for refund or coupons yet, visit McNeil Product Recall and fill-out the required information to receive the coupons.

Children's Medicine Product Recall: Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, Benadryl

We just came to know through CNN that some over-the-counter children and infant medicine which include Tylenol, Benadryl, Motrin, and Zyrtec are on product recall. This action took effect on April 30, 2010. Accordingly, the Food and Drug Administration found a bacteria in the plant where these medicines are made during an inspection in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Parents are advised to get rid of these medication from their medicine cabinets/kit.

Two of the medications we got for Evie are included on the recall: Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy (NDC# 50580-535-04) and Concentrated Tylenol Infant's Drops (NDC# 50580-144-01). Thankfully, the other one is not (Benadryl Allergy Cherry Flavored Liquid—NDC#50580-534-04). 

One thing I am glad about is that, the FDA and the manufacturer's authorities have assured consumers that "serious health problems caused by this dilemma is remote." Medication producers should be extra cautious and strict in implementing their quality control or else it's our children who will suffer the outcome of their negligence.

Anyway, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the manufacturer of the above-mentioned products offers refund or coupon to consumers who currently have the affected medications on their hands. If you're one you should take advantage of this offer. All you need to do is fill up the online form with all the information required.

For more information about which specific products are on recall, check this link: Children and Infant Medicine Recalled Products.