By: Deborah Palmer

So what if my child needs medication to help bring down their fever?

Let us define “fever’. A fever is an abnormally high body temperature, we use >100.4 degree F as the marker. Fevers are your body’s normal response to fighting an infection or illness. Though fevers, especially in children, can be scary know that you child’s immune system is doing its job.

Fever Reducing Medication in Children

First thing first there are multiple OTC agents we use to bring down your child’s fever. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) are you over-the-counter options.

Use of medications in children used 6 months of age should be used under the guidance of a physician. Fevers in children <2 months old are considered medical emergencies and should not be ignored.

When to Call your Doctor

• Their fever is higher than 104 degrees F.

• Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen don’t break the fever.

• Their fever lasts more than five days.

• You’re concerned they aren’t behaving normally.

Seek Immediate Medical Care

• Infant is under 2 months old (this is considered an emergency)

• Lethargic or non-responsive

• Continuous crying

• Excessive drooling

• Difficulty breathing

• Difficulty eating or swallowing

• Difficulty urinating

• Severe abdominal pain

• Neck stiffness

• Seizure

• Fever rash (small bleeding spots under your skin)

• Shows signs of dehydration (decreased urination, AKA fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears with crying, or sunken soft spot on the head)

It children, especially newborns, it can be difficult to differentiate between a simple virus (like the common cold) or a more serious infection (like meningitis, pneumonia, or a UTI ). Sometimes your doctor will need to order further testing, such as blood or urine tests, chest X-ray, or spinal tap, in order to determine the cause of an infant’s fever.

Children’s Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

 Dose based on weight. Doses may be given every 4-6 hours as needed or as directed by your provider.  Do no exceed more than 5 doses in a 24 hour period.  If your child is less than 8 weeks old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4F or greater, please call your doctor. 

Children’s Motrin (Ibuprofen)

Do not use Ibuprofen under 6 months of age unless specifically directed by your doctor.  Dose based on weight. Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed or as directed by doctor.  Do not exceed more than 4 doses in 24 hour period.

Your doctor may suggest you alternate doses of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen to help control your child’s fever.

Medications to Avoid in Children

#1 Aspirin - NEVER give children aspirin because of the risk for a rare but dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome.

#2 Ibuprofen - DO NOT give infants under age 6 months any medicines that contain ibuprofen.

Above are pediatric dosing charts for both Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Motrin (Ibuprofen). This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor’s office or call to schedule a visit with Freedom Doctors today, if you have any questions or concerns