Common medications used at home for pain in children with leukemia include:
- Acetaminophen: often the best drug for mild pain in leukemia patients
- Ibuprofen: may increase the risk of bleeding in leukemia
- Naproxen (must be 13 or older): may increase the risk of bleeding
- Narcotics and prescription medicines
Acetaminophen - Acetaminophen decreases fever and pain, but does not help inflammation.
- Dosing is 10-15 mg per kilogram (5-7 mg per pound) of body weight every 4-6 hours, up to the adult dose.
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dose.
- Acetaminophen products come in various strengths. Always follow the package instructions.
- Avoid this drug in children with liver disease or an allergy to acetaminophen.
- Common acetaminophen products include Tylenol, Panadol and many others.
Ibuprofen - Ibuprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
- It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
- Dosing for children over 6 months of age is 7-10 mg per kilogram (4-5 mg per pound) of body weight every 6 hours, up to the adult dose.
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dose.
- Always follow the package instructions.
- Ask your doctor first if it is OK to take this medicine.
- Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin.
Naproxen
