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Childrens Motrin Cold FAQ - Body Aches, Headache Medicine, Medication, and More
Frequently Asked Questions Print this Motrin pagePrint this page
When should I give my child Children's MOTRIN® Cold?

My child is a constant allergy sufferer, should I give them Children's MOTRIN® Cold?

What are the active ingredients in Children's MOTRIN® Cold?

What is ibuprofen?

What is pseudoephedrine? Why has Children's MOTRIN® Cold been moved behind the counter?

How much should I give my child?

How long should I give my child Children's MOTRIN® Cold?

Can I give my child Children's MOTRIN® Cold with prescription medication?

My child has high blood pressure, can I give them Children's MOTRIN® Cold?

My child has diabetes, can I give them Children's MOTRIN® Cold?

Can I give my child Children's MOTRIN® Cold with another pain reliever?

Does McNeil make store brand versions of Children's MOTRIN® Cold?

Why can't I find Children's MOTRIN® Cold Tropical Punch, Grape and Dye-Free Berry flavors at my local drug or grocery store?

Is there anything wrong with the Children's MOTRIN® Cold Grape Flavor and Dye-Free Berry that I have in my medicine chest?

Questions or Comments?
When should I give my child Children's MOTRIN® Cold?
You should give your child Children's MOTRIN® Cold for the temporary relief of cold, sinus and flu symptoms, including nasal and sinus congestion, stuffy nose, headache, sore throat, minor body aches and pains and high fevers.

My child is a constant allergy sufferer, should I give them Children's MOTRIN® Cold?
If your child is a constant allergy sufferer, you should talk to your pediatrician.

What are the active ingredients in Children's MOTRIN® Cold?
The active ingredients in Children's MOTRIN® Cold are ibuprofen (100mg) and pseudoephedrine HCl (15 mg).

What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAID is the general term used for a group of drugs that are effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation (in prescription doses). Ibuprofen provides temporary reduction of high fevers, and relief of minor aches and pains due to colds, flu, sore throat, headaches and toothaches.

What is pseudoephedrine? Why has Children's MOTRIN® Cold been moved behind the counter?
One of the key ingredients in Children's MOTRIN® Cold, as well as a majority of competitive products, is a decongestant known as pseudoephedrine. When used as directed, pseudoephedrine is safe and effective in treating multiple symptoms in both children and adults. However, it is possible for pseudoephedrine to be misused for non-medical purposes. In an effort to help prevent misuse, while still making Children's MOTRIN® Cold available to legitimate consumers, many stores nationwide have moved pseudoephedrine products behind the pharmacy or retail counter. If you don't see it on the shelf, please ask your retailer or pharmacist for assistance. For more information about pseudoephedrine, please consult your pharmacist.

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How much should I give my child?
As with any over-the-counter medication, always read and follow the package instructions carefully. If possible, use weight to dose; otherwise use age. To arrive at the right dose, weigh your child before giving Children's MOTRIN® Cold. All dosages may be repeated every 6 hours, but not more than 4 times daily.

How long should I give my child Children's MOTRIN® Cold?
Do not give your child Children's MOTRIN® Cold for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor.

Can I give my child Children's MOTRIN® Cold with prescription medication?
Children's MOTRIN® Cold can be taken with a number of prescription medications. However, if your child is taking a prescription medication, you should consult your pediatrician before giving them any other medication (prescription or over-the-counter). Do not give your child Children's MOTRIN® Cold if they are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you are uncertain whether your child's prescription drug contains an MAOI, consult a health professional before giving them Children's MOTRIN® Cold.

My child has high blood pressure, can I give them Children's MOTRIN® Cold?
If your child has high blood pressure, you should not give them Children's MOTRIN® Cold unless directed to do so by a doctor.

My child has diabetes, can I give them Children's MOTRIN® Cold?
If your child has diabetes, you should not give them Children's MOTRIN® Cold unless directed to do so by a doctor.

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Can I give my child Children's MOTRIN® Cold with another pain reliever?
You should not give your child Children's MOTRIN® Cold with any other pain reliever unless directed to do so by a doctor.

Does McNeil make store brand versions of Children's MOTRIN® Cold?
McNeil does not manufacture store brand versions of Children's MOTRIN® Cold.

Why can't I find Children's MOTRIN® Cold Tropical Punch, Grape and Dye-Free Berry flavors at my local drug or grocery store?
Children's MOTRIN® Cold Tropical Punch, Grape, and Dye-Free Berry have been discontinued. You should be able to find Children's MOTRIN® Cold Berry Flavor at your local retailer.

Is there anything wrong with the Children's MOTRIN® Cold Grape Flavor and Dye-Free Berry that I have in my medicine chest?
No. The decision to discontinue the product has nothing to do with any safety issues. You can feel comfortable using the Children's MOTRIN® products you already have. Be sure to always check the expiration dates on your products.

Questions or Comments?
Call McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a Division of McNeil PPC, Inc., Consumer Affairs at 1-800-962-5357.

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