My DD is dealing with a sore thoat right now. The dr. prescribed Dimetapp DM for the throat and "something to help her sleep" before bed!!! I know a dose of Tylenol does make them sleepy, but does Motrin do the same thing???

My DH and I are having a bit of a debate over this. He says that Motrin does NOT do the same as Tylenol. It's not that I don't believe him, it's just that... well, sometimes he just doesn't check his facts!

TIA

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 11:04 am:

I never knew Tylenol OR Motrin made them sleepy. It doesn't make me sleepy. Motrin just lasts longer and is stronger to get rid of the pain. Acetaminophen is a lighter pain reliever than ibuprofen, children or adults.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 11:33 am:

Ditto Reds9298. Neither Tylenol or Motrin has ever made my kids sleepy. Maybe he meant the Dimetapp?

By Tink on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 11:44 am:

I wonder if he just meant using Tylenol or Motrin to take care of the pain so she could sleep. My ped never suggests anything to make them sleep, just to make it more comfortable for sleeping. I don't think either makes children sleepy.

By Colette on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 12:00 pm:

Dimetapp will make her sleepy. Or it could anyways, I took it as a child when it was Rx and it knocked me for a loop.

By Clarabel on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 12:09 pm:

You could try camomile tea. Works like a charm.

By Palmbchprincess on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 12:26 pm:

Tylenol and Motrin shouldn't make the baby sleepy. Benedryl often does, but acetometaphen and ibuprofen shouldn't. Honestly, using one or the other is a preference. Each has a different side effect, like Tylenol can damage your liver or stomach, I'm not sure about Motrin. Military docs (my kids are on military healthcare) seem to looooove Mortin, they prescribe ibuprofen for just about any pain or fever, adult or child. I prefer ibuprofen as well.

By Angellew on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 01:00 pm:

Yeah.. I just read the side of the Dimetapp bottle and it does say "can cause drowsiness". I "believe" he meant giving her the Tylenol or Motrin before bed to ease the pain of the sore throat!!!??!

This is a small example as to why I HATE not being at a DR appointment with my DD. I feel like my DH NEVER asks questions and only hears half of what the DR says! I could be wrong, but...

Thanks Ladies!

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 02:15 pm:

Throw into the mix that Motrin is most likely an anti-inflammatory (I know the adult version is), and Tylenol is not.

By Imamommyx4 on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 06:07 pm:

Tylenol and Motrin neither have drowsiness as a side effect. What actually may occur is that the pain is somewhat relieved and that allows them to relax and go to sleep.

Motrin has a GI side effect. It can upset your stomach. Take it with food or milk to minimize if possible. Motrin is great for aches and a little better for fever.

I use Tylenol for fever if I can't get my little one to eat anything. It seems to help dd's earaches when she has them.

But everybody is different and will have different reactions to the drug. Try either and see what the amount of relief is. Limit Tylenol if there is any liver problems. Limit Motrin if there is any chance of bleeding (ruptured ear drums, severe cuts) or won't eat.