What syrup can be used to treat a child's stomach ache?

Child Stomach Ache Treatment: Oral Rehydration Solutions

For treating a child's stomach ache due to gastroenteritis, oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the first-line treatment, with acetaminophen syrup as an adjunct for pain relief if needed. 1, 2

Assessment of Stomach Ache

Before administering any treatment, assess:

• Severity of symptoms (frequency of vomiting, diarrhea)
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, lethargy)
• Associated symptoms (fever, blood in stool)

Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention

• Severe vomiting preventing fluid intake
• Signs of moderate to severe dehydration
• Bloody diarrhea
• Persistent fever
• No improvement within 48 hours 1, 3

First-Line Treatment: Oral Rehydration

Recommended Solutions:

• Commercial oral rehydration solutions (ORS) such as:
  • Standard glucose-electrolyte ORS with 75-90 mEq/L sodium
  • Rice-based solutions like Ricelyte for reduced stool output 4, 1

Administration Guidelines:

• For children under 2 years: 50-100 mL after each loose stool
• For children 2-12 years: 100-200 mL after each loose stool
• Administer in small amounts (5-10 mL) every 1-2 minutes using a spoon or syringe to prevent vomiting 4, 1

Home Preparation (if commercial ORS unavailable):

• Cereal-based solutions can be prepared at home, though standardization may be difficult 4

Pain Relief for Stomach Ache

If pain relief is needed, acetaminophen syrup can be administered:

• Ages 2-4 years: 5 mL (160 mg) every 4 hours (not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours)
• Ages 4-6 years: 7.5 mL (240 mg) every 4 hours (not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours)
• Ages 6-12 years: 10.15 mL (325 mg) every 4 hours (not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours) 2

Dietary Recommendations

• Resume age-appropriate diet during or immediately after rehydration
• Offer food every 3-4 hours
• Avoid foods high in simple sugars and fats
• Consider temporarily stopping lactose-containing products 1

Important Considerations

Effectiveness of ORT

• Studies show oral rehydration therapy is as effective as intravenous fluids for mild to moderate dehydration 5
• ORT can be initiated more quickly than IV therapy and has similar success rates 5

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Do not give antimotility drugs (e.g., loperamide) to children under 18 years 1
2. Do not allow a thirsty child to drink large volumes of ORS at once; administer in small amounts 4
3. Do not delay seeking medical attention for bloody diarrhea or signs of severe dehydration 4, 3
4. Do not use sports drinks or sodas as substitutes for proper ORS 6

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Child shows signs of severe dehydration (lethargy, sunken eyes, decreased skin turgor)
• Bloody diarrhea is present
• Persistent vomiting prevents oral rehydration
• Symptoms worsen or do not improve within 48 hours 1, 3