In this Article

• What is Reye syndrome?
• What are the symptoms of Reye syndrome?
• What causes Reye syndrome?
• Is there any treatment for Reye syndrome?
• What is the prognosis (outlook) with Reye's syndrome?
• How can Reye syndrome be avoided?
• What type of aspirin is safe?
• Are other over-the-counter or prescription medications/remedies safe?
• What medicine is recommended for kids with fever?
• Reye syndrome At A Glance
• Reye Syndrome Glossary
• Reye Syndrome Index

Additional Information from MedicineNet

What type of aspirin is safe?

None. All medicines labeled as "aspirin" or having aspirin products within are to be avoided, irrespective of whether they are brand name or generic aspirin. The chemical name for aspirin is acetyl salicylate or acetylsalicylic acid.

Are other over-the-counter or prescription medications/remedies safe?

Not necessarily. Just because a medication is not called "aspirin," that does not mean it is free of aspirin. Many over-the-counter remedies contain aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), or sodium or bismuth salicylates which are chemically related to aspirin. Also, some topical products may contain aspirin. For a more complete listing of what you should not give your child, please visit the Reye's Syndrome Foundation.

What medicine is recommended for kids with fever?

The preferred medicine for children with fever is acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve).

Reye syndrome At A Glance

• Reye syndrome is a grave reaction of children to certain viral infections.
• The infections most closely associated with Reye syndrome are chickenpox (varicella) and influenza.
• Giving aspirin to children with these illnesses increases their chance for Reye syndrome.
• Reye syndrome causes brain swelling and fatty disease of the liver and kidneys.
• Reye syndrome can be treated but all too often is lethal.
• Reye syndrome can be prevented by not giving aspirin or aspirin-containing products to children.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others - Describes the medication acetaminophen (Tylenol) a drug used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
• Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
• Fever - Get the facts on fever treatment (in children and adults). Learn ways to bring down a high fever and know the signs of other serious types of major illness.

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