Which over-the-counter medication is associated with Reye's syndrome?

Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can cause swelling in the liver and brain, and it is primarily associated with the use of aspirin in children and teenagers recovering from viral infections, particularly chickenpox or influenza. The exact mechanism by which aspirin triggers Reye's syndrome is not fully understood, but it has been well-documented that the use of aspirin during these viral illnesses significantly increases the risk of developing this syndrome.

In contrast, acetaminophen is generally considered safe for children and does not carry the same risk for Reye's syndrome. Ibuprofen is also an alternative that is commonly used to reduce fever and relieve pain without the risk associated with aspirin. Brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine is a combination medication used for allergy and congestion relief and is not implicated in Reye's syndrome.

Understanding the association of aspirin with Reye's syndrome is crucial for patient safety, especially in pediatric care, and highlights the importance of avoiding aspirin use in children with viral infections.