Can aspirin be given to children?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only in small doses
• D. Only with food

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is safety of aspirin in children due to a serious risk. Aspirin is not given to children because of the possibility of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but life‑threatening condition that causes swelling of the liver and brain. This risk is especially associated with giving aspirin during or shortly after a viral illness, such as influenza or chickenpox. Because of this strong association, clinicians avoid aspirin in children and teenagers for fever, pain, or any other indication. For pediatric fever or pain, safer alternatives like acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen are used, following appropriate dosing guidelines.