Vegan medicines?

[Araselismama]

Hi everyone! I'm in search of some vegan medicine that is okay for toddlers to take (my dd is almost 2). I'm mainly interested in a pain reliever (like motrin, acetomeniphen), and a cold medicine. I'm not so interested in homepathic remedies as i am western medicine (although i *DO* use natural medicine, i like to have old standby's ready when i need 'em!)
Thanks mamas!

[Erin Pavlina]

All of the over the counter analgesics are tested on animals in order to be approved by the FDA. So technically they are not vegan.

My personal opinion on medicine is use it when you have to, try to avoid it when you can, but don't kill yourself trying to avoid it if you really need it.

As vegans I feel we need to do the very best we can and work with what we've got.

[Araselismama]

Thanks Erin!

i know i've seen vegan cough syrup for toddlers before...i think at kidbean.com but now it's not there...so hm. Maybe i should email them? Anyway, thanks again :)

[shai]

Before using anything you should ask your doc. I tend to think the less the better, especially when my child is sick with the cold. A lot of that cold medicine actually inhibits the ability to cough out the mucus and stuff. If my son is so stuffed up that he can not sleep, or if his ears are plugged up, I give him Dimetapp, but that is rare. Our doctor (also a vegan) says not to give him anything for fever unless it is over 102.5 because a slight fever helps fight infection. if his fever ist hat high I don't mess around with Tylenol, I go straight for the motrin because it is more effective and they don't have to take as much as often.

[xmysticprincessx]

i wouldnt go for the motrin- my mom (an RN) said that there is aspirin in motrin, and that aspirin can cause reye's syndrome in babies.
my mom also said that if you have a pennicillin allergy, then it is possible that you can have an aspirin allergy. (i'm not sure what the reasoning is.)

[kjmckenzie]

Omygosh! Shai, I am so jealous!!! How did you ever find a vegan doctor?

[feline01]

Elderberry extract is supposed to be fantastic for colds, flu, sinus problems, chest issues. You can find it in different forms, most aren't vegan, of course but some health food stores do carry pure elderberry extract. Tastes a bit like a cross between cranberry and grape so most kids will like it as well (though mine weren't too pleased).