Acetaminophen:

What it's used for:

Acetaminophen reduces fever and it relieves the pain of teething, earache, sunburn, cuts, bruises, headache, etc. 

Helpful Hints:

• Acetaminophen starts taking effect within 45 to 60 minutes and should last four hours. If it wears- off too soon, then use a dose of Ibuprofen.
• For very high or stubborn fevers, alternate between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen every three hours (i.e., give a dose of acetaminophen then three hours later give ibuprofen then three hours later acetaminophen, etc. These two medications are safe to use together like this.)

What it's used for:

Ibuprofen has three actions: it reduces fever, relieves pain and fights inflammation. Typical uses are: teething, earaches, sunburn, fevers, headaches and sore muscles.

Helpful Hints:

• Ibuprofen usually starts taking effect within 30 minutes and should last at least six hours. If it wears-off too soon, then use a dose of Acetaminophen.
• For very high or stubborn fevers, alternate between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen every three hours (i.e., give a dose of Acetaminophen then three hours later give Ibuprofen then three hours later Acetaminophen,  These two medications are safe to use together like this.)

WARNING
NEVER give Benadryl or any other sedatives to infants under 1 year of age for sleep. Do not allow daycare providers to give sedatives to your infants. Always consult your child's physician before using sedatives for sleep in children. 

What it's used for?

Diphenhydramine is can be used for any cause of itching: insect bites, bee stings, poison ivy, chicken pox, and allergy. It is also good for the swelling that can sometimes accompany these reactions. Diphenhydramine will also relieve runny nose and sneezing whether from a cold or allergy.

Dosage:

Give 0.5 mg per pound every 4-6 hours. (See dosing chart)The package doesn't give a dose for under 2 years of age and we don't recommend use under the age of one.. I prefer to calculate the dose by the child's weight. The dose is about 0.5 mg per pound of bodyweight (or 1.25 mg per kilogram). For example, a 25 lb child would get 12.5 mg (25lb X 0.5mg/lb = 12.5mg). This is exactly one teaspoon of liquid or one chewable tablet. This dose can be given every four to six hours. Hint: the dose for Benadryl and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) are the same for the liquid or chewable, i.e. if a child gets one teaspoon of Tylenol, then his/her dose of Benadryl is also one teaspoon.

Side effects/ Safety:

• Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and sometimes, upset stomach.
• Instead of drowsiness, some children will have an opposite effect and get "revved-up". This is more of a nuisance than a medical concern.
• Antihistamines can be given with any antibiotic, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, decongestants and cough suppressants.
• Should not be given for Croup (dries the air passages).