Know Your Numbers

Be sure to follow these dosing instructions when treating your child's fever with medication.
Every medicine is different.

For example, infants' liquid medicines are in a concentrated form, often twice as
concentrated as children's liquids. Parents and healthcare providers need to be
aware of the dosing for each product to avoid accidental overdosing.

Always be sure to read package labeling carefully and call your child's physician if
you have questions, and remember:
  1. The dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be based on your child's weight if known;
    otherwise, use his or her age.
  2. There are no controlled studies supporting the practice of alternating doses between
    acetaminophen and ibuprofen when treating your child's fever. Doing so increases the risk of
    medication errors and the potential for side effects that could result from such medication
    errors. If your child is uncomfortable with a fever, choose which medicine to give him or her,
    and then administer it consistently.10
  3. Measure only with the dosing device (cup, oral syringe, etc.) provided by the medicine
    manufacturer and do not use the device with other products.
  4. The dose lines on the cup account for product that may remain in the cup due to the thickness
    of the suspension (liquid).
  5. Do not give more medicine than is recommended.
  6. If giving acetaminophen, repeat dose every four to six hours as needed, but not more than five times a day.
  7. If giving ibuprofen, repeat dose every six to eight hours, if needed; do not use more
    than four times a day.

Never Give Your Child Medicines That Are Packaged and Intended for Adults

When it comes to medicine, children are not just "little adults." Children's small bodies are vulnerable
to the risk of accidental overdose. That's why accurate dosing and measurement of children's
medications are so important. Make sure to give your child only medications specifically formulated
for his or her age and weight. You should never cut adult tablets in half or estimate a child's dose of
an adult-strength liquid product.

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10 American Academy of Pediatrics

The contents of the Fever Facts site are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.