See if they can get him on some steroids for his throat. I currently have mono and was put on 20 mg of prednisone twice a day for five days. It worked wonders for my throat, within an hour, the pain went from a ten to a about a 4, with little to no pain in about three days.

My daughter was diagnosed this week with mono also. Her throat was the first of the bad symptoms, swollen, blisters, etc. We did the steroids (20 mg)for 3 days and it's much better. However, now, her ear (mainly just one side) is killing her. So, this is to answer Kerwoman above and at the same time, ask what would be suggested for the ear pain.

Take advil for the throat pain during the day and Tylenol with codeine at night. It will still hurt but you will be able to eat something at least and get some sleep. Make sure you don't take more then the recommended dosage.

Ibuprofen overdose affects the liver primarily. I would also NEVER suggest mixing medications: once you choose a pain killer, stick to your choice. Mixing medications could promote an autoimmune reaction, especially when you start to mix ibuprofin, acetominophen, and methylmorphine within a 24 hour period. Even though I highly disagree with pain relievers because of the negative effects on the liver and kidney, I would recommend taking NO MORE than the recommended dosage of your painkiller of choice, then placing a very warm, damp towel on the affected ear until the towel cools, then having your son lay in such a manner that the affected ear is facing downwards but not resting directly on a pillow, to allow for drainage and hopefully relief of pressure. If the pain is really unbearable, ask a doctor to prescribe a stronger pain killer. Above all, stop the ibuprofen overdose IMMEDIATELY or there very probably will be serious and unpleasant side effects. 200-400 mg ever 4-6 hours.