Like many other medications, aspirin is strictly prohibited for children and teenagers, particularly kids who have the flu, chickenpox, or viral illnesses such as upper respiratory infections or diarrhea.

Aspirin use has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious metabolic disorder that causes swelling in the brain and liver and can quickly lead to permanent brain damage or death. Scientists believe that children and teens who have an underlying fatty acid oxidation disorder—a missing or defective enzyme that prevents the body from breaking down fatty acids—are at greater risk of developing the syndrome after using aspirin.

Since metabolic disorders can exist undetected in children until serious effects are triggered, heed the warnings and avoid giving your child aspirin. Instead, use acetaminophen. In addition to protecting your child from Reye’s syndrome, you’ll protect him or her from the stomach irritation that can accompany aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

When your child needs a painkiller for a broken bone, sprain, or strain, ibuprofen has been shown to be more effective than acetaminophen. Based on a study conducted at a Canadian hospital, researchers concluded that this is likely due to ibuprofen’s ability to fight inflammation as well as pain.