Preventing Reye's syndrome

Becauseofthe possible link between aspirin and Reye's syndrome, aspirin should only be given to children under 16 on the advice of a doctor when it's felt the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Children under 16 should also not take any products containing:

  • acetylsalicylic acid
  • acetylsalicylate
  • salicylic acid
  • salicylate
  • salicylate salts

Some mouth ulcer gels and dental gels contain salicylate salts. These shouldn't be given to children under 16 years of age. There are alternative products that are suitable for under 16s ask your pharmacist for advice.

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Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018