What type of pain medicine best for children?
(SPM Wire)

Selecting a pain medicine for your child can sometimes be confusing. The results of a new study may help make navigating this task easier.

Should you choose a medicine containing ibuprofen, which is sold generically as well as under such brand names as Advil or Motrin, or should you select acetaminophen, which is the main ingredient in such medicines as Children's Tylenol?

While both types of painkillers can reduce fevers, which type is better for broken bones, sprains and other aches and pains?

New research, published in the American Journal of Pediatrics, confirms that ibuprofen is more effective when treating broken bones, bruises and sprains. Ibuprofen beat out acetaminophen and even prescription codeine in helping to relieve kids' pain.

According to the study, visits to hospital emergency rooms for musculoskeletal pain in children are very common. They can also be very painful. Despite this, adequate pain medication is often not provided to these young patients.

A research team from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario evaluated 300 children aged six to 17 years who were brought to the hospital for pain from an injury to their arms and legs, necks or backs. Each child was randomly given ibuprofen, acetaminophen or codeine.

Children who received ibuprofen experienced greater pain relief 60 minutes after receiving the dose than the other two medications. In addition, patients taking ibuprofen did not need to take additional doses, where as patients taking acetaminophen or codeine did need additional doses in order to achieve adequate pain relief.

Of course, for serious injuries always be sure to consult your child's doctor before selecting a course of treatment on your own.