5 experts answer: Is it okay to give children pain killers?

This story by The Conversation is republished as part of our series of articles written by local and international academics and researchers. The views expressed don't necessarily reflect that of Parent24 or Media24.

Children get sick and hurt a lot. Whether it’s playground injuries or cold and fever, we’re frequently wondering if we should reach for the kids’ Panadol.

But pain relief has side effects, and we know as adults we shouldn’t take it too liberally, so what about for our kids?

We asked five experts if it’s OK to give our kids pain killers.

Four out of five experts said yes

Here are their detailed responses:

If you have a “yes or no” health question you’d like posed to Five Experts, email your suggestion to: alexandra.hansen@theconversation.edu.au

Disclosures: Greta Palmer has previously received grant support from Cadence Pharmaceuticals for a paracetamol study in neonates.

Alexandra Hansen, Section Editor: Health + Medicine, The Conversation. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Has your child ever had a bad reaction to pain killers? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.  

Read more: 

• Is cough syrup bad for kids? 
• Here's why your child may be afraid of doctor's visits 
• Here's what you should know about over-the-counter medicines for your baby 
  
  

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive Parent24 stories directly to your inbox.