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Health

What to give a child for a headache?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Almost every adult knows that it is possible to relieve painful symptoms, temperature and fever by taking Nurofen or paracetamol, which will relieve pain and reduce temperature. They, without thinking, transfer this knowledge to their children, which is absolutely unacceptable. So what to do, what to give a child for a headache? Should you immediately seek advice from a doctor?

What can children do for headaches?

Many adults, when any negative symptoms or discomfort appear, often immediately grab the pills, trying to get rid of the discomfort as quickly as possible. This should not be done in the case of an adult organism, and is especially prohibited with a small one.

In some cases, the body needs to be given the opportunity to fight the disease on its own, supporting it with healthy, vitamin-rich food. This is the only way to harden the body, increase its immune status, and develop an antigen for a specific strain or invading pathogenic microflora.

But you shouldn't ignore the problem either. If the pain is accompanied by other symptoms, it's advisable to show the baby to a doctor who can determine the cause and give recommendations.

If there is a need to connect medications to the treatment process, then you cannot thoughtlessly, at your own discretion, buy drugs in a pharmacy and give them to children. Such an attitude can not only harm the little patient, but also endanger his health and life. After all, a wide range of pharmacological agents are allowed for use by a person only from a certain age.

Therefore, it is much safer if the treatment process is prescribed by a qualified doctor. Although it would not be superfluous for the parents themselves to know what can be given to children for headaches?

The list of acceptable medications can vary significantly depending on the cause of the discomfort.

If the source of the whims is teething, in such a situation specialized gels, ointments and creams are used locally: Kalgel, Holisal gel, Kamistad gel baby, Dentinox gel, Dentinorm baby drops, Traumeel S ointment, Viburcol suppositories, Parlazin and Fenistil drops.

Kalgel, made on the basis of cetylpyridine and lidocaine, is applied directly to the irritated gum, after two to three minutes the medicine begins to act. This antiseptic does not contain sugar and does not have a negative effect on the tooth itself and tooth enamel.

The multicomponent drug in drops dentinorm baby is presented on the shelves of modern pharmacies in the form of portioned drops. One package - one dose. During the day, two to three doses are allowed. The duration of the course of relief therapy is three days.

Viburkol suppositories are quite popular among young parents today and are used not only to relieve pain symptoms that occur during teething in infants, but also for certain infectious diseases accompanied by an increase in body temperature and a general weakening of the body.

Rectal suppositories are absorbed by the large intestine in a short period of time and have a prolonged effect. The drug does not have a negative effect on the kidneys, liver and other internal organs. At the same time, it shows a calming, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative effect on the child's body.

The only contraindication to taking suppositories may be hypersensitivity of the body to one or more components of the drug.

If the problem is of a neurological nature, treatment should be supervised by a pediatric neurologist, who will first determine the nature of the damage to the nervous system and, based on this, will give the necessary recommendations for adjusting the work day and rest, and prescribe the most effective drugs.

ENT diseases are treated by an otolaryngologist. If they are the ones causing the discomfort in question, then appropriate therapy is also necessary. These may be derivatives of paracetamol - calpor, piaron, apap, efferalgan, ifimol, panadol, or ibuprofen: arviproks, ibupreks, ibufen, imet, ibuprom, nurofen. They, in parallel with eliminating the primary source of the disease, effectively relieve pain symptoms in the head area.

Some of the drugs offered by pharmaceutical companies can be used as early as two months of age.

If such a disease occurs, you should urgently seek help from a doctor and begin to relieve the problem. This is especially true for children under three years of age. Such pathologies usually develop quite rapidly, which can create a danger to the life of the baby.

Headache pills for children

Today, pediatricians are "armed" with a wide range of medications. They divide headache pills for children into three groups:

  • Acetylsalicylic acid and its derivatives (often referred to as aspirin).
  • Analgin and analgin-containing drugs.
  • Paracetamol, other drugs based on it. Phenacetin.

Naturally, when a son or daughter is ill, parents are beside themselves, trying to resolve the situation for the better as quickly as possible. But, without knowing the intricacies of the disease, it is difficult for them to choose the right drug, since each group structure has its own characteristics. Therefore, to obtain a quick and effective result, you should consult a qualified doctor. Only he, based on the clinical picture, characteristics of the little patient and his age, can prescribe the drug that will be most effective in this case.

In order for therapy to bring maximum benefit, it is necessary to know the characteristics of these groups.

Acetylsalicylic acid is considered a powerful painkiller chemical compound, which can be easily purchased at any pharmacy even without a prescription. But in parallel with the analgesic agent, it also has diuretic properties, relieving swelling quite well. In this regard, it is not prescribed in the case of diagnosing a cold, but is very effective in the case of pain syndrome in inflammation, rheumatism and in the prevention of thrombosis, as it increases sweating.

This drug is approved for use by small patients, the dosage is prescribed by the attending physician individually in each specific case.

This group includes: aspinat, bufferin, acsbirin, thrombopol, mycristine, upsarin UPSA and others.

A more universal drug can be called analgin. It, and analgin analogues, are used as an excellent painkiller and antipyretic substance. This group includes andipal, analdim, kofalgin, benalgin, pendased, pentalgin, sedalgin, revalgin and others.

Paracetamol and its derivatives are mainly used as antipyretic drugs, simultaneously relieving pain. Its analogues: deminofen, acetaminophen, volpan, dafalgan, mexalen, dolomol, panadol, children's Tylenol, infant Tylenol and others.

If adults prescribe a particular drug to their child on their own, they should at least read the instructions very carefully. If the child is under three years old, self-medication is absolutely unacceptable.

Almost every medicine has age restrictions. For example, aspirin is not approved for use in patients under 12 years of age.

After conducting observations and research, many pediatricians generally hold the position that headache tablets should not be given to children under six years of age, especially paracetamol and its group of drugs.

If the problem cannot be solved in any other way, the doctor should prescribe a more gentle dosage, increasing the number of daily doses.

Citramon for headaches

The composition of the non-steroidal pharmacological compound in question includes: paracetamol, acetylsalicylic and citric acid, caffeine.

It has analgesic, minor anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. Taking citramon in an acceptable amount activates the receptors of the nervous system, increases brain activity, reduces blood pressure, activating blood flow.

Having a certain pharmacodynamics, citramon is quite actively taken for headaches, including to relieve attacks in small patients. The only clarification is that for the latter, the dosage should be prescribed only by a specialist, and the treatment should be carried out under his constant supervision.

The recommended starting dose is one tablet twice or three times a day. The maximum daily dose is nine tablets. The duration of the treatment course is ten days.

Citramon is not recommended for treatment of children (if the patient is under 10 years old), but this issue remains within the competence of a specialist.

There are also contraindications: ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal mucosa, internal bleeding affecting the gastrointestinal tract, problems with blood clotting, severe kidney and/or liver dysfunction, deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the patient’s body.

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Analgin for headaches

Another representative of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory series used for headaches is analgin. Its analgesic properties are expressed much more than those that reduce temperature. The drug was synthesized back in 1920 on the basis of metamizole sodium and is still in deserved demand.

Analgin is completely acceptable in the treatment protocol for patients of a younger age group.

During the treatment period, the maximum daily amount taken by the patient should not exceed five tablets. Taking analgin is acceptable for moderate intensity attacks. If the pain is prolonged and has a spastic, rolling character, this medicine does not give the expected effect. Having previously understood the true provoking cause, a doctor's consultation and a change of medicine are required.

The recommended daily dose of analgin is one tablet twice or three times a day. But the amount is calculated more precisely based on the body weight of the small patient. For each available kilogram, 5-10 ml of the drug is taken. The resulting volume is divided into three or four doses.

The duration of therapy should not exceed three days. The medicine should be taken after meals. For very small children, the tablet can be crushed and given with a sufficient amount of water.

In case of severe spasms, the baby may be given 5-10 ml of the solution in the form of injections.

But shpa for headaches

This rather powerful antispasmodic also shows excellent analgesic properties. Therefore, no-shpa is actively used for headaches and to relieve the problem in question even in the smallest patients.

For patients who are already three years old but not older than six, the drug is prescribed for therapy in a quantity of no more than 120 mg per day, divided into three doses.

If the patient is between six and twelve years old, the maximum daily dose is 200 mg.

In severe cases of the disease, intramuscular administration of no-shpa is allowed, but not more than six ampoules per day.

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Paracetamol for headaches

Not so long ago, any self-respecting housewife always had a certain set of medicines in her home medicine cabinet, including paracetamol for headaches. It was also used to relieve aching discomfort in the teeth. It was used when it was necessary to "bring down" a fever - a symptom of a respiratory or viral disease.

Paracetamol acts quickly (half an hour is enough for it to be absorbed by the intestines), once it enters the plasma, it stops the production of prostaglandin, which maintains the inflammatory process in the body.

But as recent studies have shown, with prolonged treatment with paracetamol, it gradually begins to lose its pharmacological effect. It is also worth remembering that the use of this drug relieves the symptom, but does not eliminate the source of the problem.

Therefore, it should not be taken for more than two or three days. Paracetamol is also not recommended for children under three years of age.

Spazmalgon for headaches

A combined analgesic with pronounced antispasmodic properties - spazmalgon, in the presence of pain attacks, is simply an irreplaceable assistant, which relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels quite well, which allows you to relieve spasms, and hence the pain syndrome.

As for younger patients, taking Spazmolgon is not recommended until the child reaches 13-15 years of age, since powerful antispasmodics have a systemic effect on the entire body and can provoke brain diseases, and also have a damaging effect on the liver.

Teenagers over 15 years of age are allowed to take one to two tablets two to three times a day. Maximum - no more than six tablets per day. The duration of treatment should not exceed five days. The drug should be taken only under the supervision of the attending physician.

For small patients, whose age falls within the range of six to eight years (only allowed with the doctor's permission) and is half a tablet. If the age is from 9 to 12 (only by doctor's prescription) - 3/4 of a tablet, from 13 to 15 (only with the doctor's permission) - a whole tablet twice or three times during the day.

If after three days of use the therapeutic effect does not occur, stop taking Spazmalgon and replace it with another analogue.

Folk remedies for headaches in children

Folk remedies, when stopping the problem in question, are perhaps the most acceptable way to relieve little sufferers from discomfort.

  • One option is to thoroughly ventilate the room. Put the baby to bed and read him an interesting book or engage him in a quiet game, put on some light, calming music.
  • You can try serving yogurt or acidophilus, which contain live microflora, with a small amount of honey added.
  • Both soothing tinctures and decoctions prepared from medicinal herbs are suitable. This can be mint, lemon balm, motherwort, chamomile and others. Such herbs are easy to buy at any pharmacy. The method of preparation is always indicated on the packaging. Basically, this is: take one or two tablespoons of a glass of boiling water and keep in a water bath for 15 minutes, then leave for about 45 minutes.
  • You can try rubbing the temple area with grapefruit, peppermint, lavender or orange essential oil; ammonia will also work.
  • You can also use an aroma lamp with these same essential oils.
  • To help your baby sleep better, you can sew a “dumochka” (a small pillow) for him, the contents of which are represented by herbs such as lavender or immortelle, you can use spruce shavings or juniper branches.
  • You can prepare a warm bath by adding soothing essential oils or a decoction of medicinal herbs that have a calming effect to the water.
  • The head should be tied with a woolen bandage. The thickness of the tourniquet is about 5 - 7 cm. On the forehead it should cover the eyebrow arches, and at the back it should pass under the occipital tubercles.
  • In case of occipital spasms, a mustard plaster should be applied to the disturbing part. Instead, you can use a brewed medicinal herb - knotweed.
  • Another simple method: apply a fresh cabbage leaf to the forehead during an attack.
  • The power of massage should not be underestimated. You should massage the temples, the points located on the neck from the back: one in the middle on the border with the hairline and two along the spine. You should also massage the points located at the inner end of the eyebrows and one on the same line, but in the center. If desired, you can refer to specialized literature, which will familiarize you in more detail with all the acupuncture points located on the human body.
  • You can suggest rubbing the auricles. Our ancestors believed that it was possible to enhance the effect by rubbing them with beet juice.

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Homeopathy for headaches in children

In recent years, homeopathic products have become increasingly popular, perceived as a balanced combination of traditional medicine and folk healing knowledge.

In connection with the problem under consideration, the following homeopathic medicines can be suggested:

  • Argentum nitricum - relieves pressing pain and the feeling that the head is “going to burst”.
  • Ignatia - a feeling of heaviness in the head, as if it were filled with lead.
  • Bryonia is an uncomfortable condition localized in the frontal bone area, spreading to the cervical and shoulder girdle.
  • Helleborus – the appearance of pain symptoms with any movement or bending.
  • Actea racemosa or black cohosh (Cimicifuga) - burning and intense sharp attacks in the area of the crown and eye sockets, spreading to the front of the head and neck.
  • Glonoin (Glonoinum) – a wave-like, pulsating discomfort affecting any part of the head. With fresh air, the condition normalizes, the intensity of the attack subsides.
  • Cocculus - occipital-cervical localization, accompanied by dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
  • Gelsemium – heavy eyelids, dull pain in the back of the head, spreading to one eye.
  • Hina (China) - pulsating sensation in the temples.
  • Coffea is an attack that has emotional roots: overexcitement, etc.

Prayer for headache in a child

To cope with a painful condition, our ancestors since ancient times turned their prayers to God, the Holy Mother of God and the Virgin Mary, asking them for healing.

Here are a number of prayers that will help relieve the suffering of a small patient. Before this, you can wash the baby with holy water and let him sip it.

  • You can read the prayer “Our Father” several times.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come. thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

This short but powerful prayer is easy to learn. It would be nice if even a teenager knew it.

  • This small prayer, like analgin, is able to eliminate the problem, bringing the condition back to normal. Appeal to the Holy Mother of God.

Holy Mother of God, relieve my (or baby's name) headache, high blood pressure and severe heart disease. Amen.

Virgin Mary, cleanse me (or name) from harmful thoughts and imposed pains. Amen.

Holy Mother of God, reduce the pain in my head and the stupidity in my forehead. Amen.

Holy Virgin Mary, may the headache subside and may your faith in Christ not wane. Amen.

Holy Mother of God, protect me (name) from sinful resin and headache. Amen.

  • Before going to bed, it is worth reading the following spell:

I drive away the dull pain and the sharp, the stabbing and the malicious from my head. (Child's name) I bring on a deep sleep. Problems quietly go away, sorrows and thoughts pass. He (she) does not feel pain anymore, he (she) sleeps deeper and longer. Amen! Amen! Amen!

The hardest thing for parents is when their children get sick. Many adults fall into a stupor, not knowing what to give a child for a headache. But experienced ones know that there are situations when this problem can be solved without much effort on the part of the child: regular ventilation of the room, walks in the fresh air, reduced physical and emotional stress, a comfortable bed for rest, and so on. But still, every time a son or daughter complains of feeling unwell, it is worth analyzing and assessing the situation so as not to miss the onset of a more serious disease (this applies to infectious pathologies affecting the brain). With such a clinical picture, you should immediately seek help from a qualified specialist. This is especially true for small children, in whom an infectious lesion can develop in a matter of hours, putting the condition of a small patient on the verge between life and death.

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