Fever-Acetaminophen (Tylenol)/Ibuprofen Dosing
Fever is a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) rectal. (Temperature measured orally or axillary will be about ½ to 1 degree lower than rectal temperature.) Fever is the body’s normal response to infection or illness. It is a sign of the body trying to fight off the illness. Fever is a good thing; it helps us to recover from colds, flus, and other illnesses faster. Despite what many people say, fever does NOT lead to brain damage. Also, fever does NOT always need to be treated with medicine. However, if your child has a fever and feels miserable, isn’t drinking fluids well, or has a lot of discomfort, fever medicines may help him or her to feel better, at least for a few hours. Some young children are prone to having seizures with fever; this is not related to how high the fever gets, but rather is a condition that some individual children have.
When Should You See The Doctor About Your Child’s Fever?
Age. Any infant under 3 months of age should be seen right away for any temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher. For a child between 3 and 6 months old, call the office for any fever of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher.
Associated Symptoms. If a child over 6 months old has a fever and clearly has a cold or flu (runny nose, mild cough, body aches), is drinking fluids well, and doesn’t appear terribly ill, there is no need to rush to the doctor’s office. However, if there is a fever without a clear reason, or the child is not drinking fluids well, or appears especially ill, you should make an appointment or contact the office for advice.
Duration of Fever. Most fevers associated with colds, flus, and other viruses will resolve themselves in 2 to 5 days. If a fever lasts longer than 3 days, make an appointment or call for advice.
Recommended Doses of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
may repeat every 4 to 6 hours
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Child’s Weight
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Infant Drops
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Children’s Liquid
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Chewable Tablets
|
“Junior” Chewable Tablets or Caplets
|
|
Dosage
|
(80 mg/0.8mL)
|
(160 mg/5 mL)
|
(80 mg)
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(160 mg)
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|
6-11 lbs
|
0.4 mL (½ dropper)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|
12-17 lbs
|
0.8 mL (1 dropper)
|
2.5 mL (½ teaspoon)
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—
|
—
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|
18-23 lbs
|
1.2 mL (1½ droppers)
|
3.75 mL (¾ teaspoon)
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—
|
—
|
|
24-35 lbs
|
1.6 mL (2 droppers)
|
5 mL (1 teaspoon)
|
2 tablets
|
—
|
|
36-46 lbs
|
—
|
7.5 mL (1½ teaspoons)
|
3 tablets
|
—
|
|
47-58 lbs
|
—
|
10 mL (2 teaspoons)
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4 tablets
|
2 tablets
|
|
59-70 lbs
|
—
|
12.5 mL (2½ teaspoons)
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5 tablets
|
2½ tablets
|
|
71-95 lbs
|
—
|
15 mL (3 teaspoons)
|
6 tablets
|
3 tablets
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Recommended Doses of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)
may repeat every 6 to 8 hours
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Child’s Weight
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Infant Drops
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Children’s Liquid
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Chewable Tablets
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“Junior” Chewable Tablets or Capsules
|
|
Dosage
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(50 mg/1.25mL)
|
(100 mg/5 mL)
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(50 mg)
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(100 mg)
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12-16 lbs
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1.25 mL
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2.5 mL (½ teaspoon)
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—
|
—
|
|
17-21 lbs
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1.875 mL
|
3.75 mL (¾ teaspoon)
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—
|
—
|
|
22-32 lbs
|
2.5 mL
|
5 mL (1 teaspoon)
|
2 tablets
|
—
|
|
33-43 lbs
|
—
|
7.5 mL (1½ teaspoons)
|
3 tablets
|
—
|
|
44-54 lbs
|
—
|
10 mL (2 teaspoons)
|
4 tablets
|
2 tablets
|
|
55-65 lbs
|
—
|
12.5 mL (2½ teaspoons)
|
5 tablets
|
2½ tablets
|
|
66-87 lbs
|
—
|
15 mL (3 teaspoons)
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6 tablets
|
3 tablets
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When To Call The Office
Please call the office IMMEDIATELY for:
· Any fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher in a baby under 3 months old
· Fever associated with a stiff neck or lethargy that doesn’t improve with
acetaminophen or ibuprofen
· Your child has a fever and appears much more ill than with a usual fever
Please call during REGULAR HOURS for:
· Fever of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher in a baby 3-6 months old
· Fever that lasts more than 3 days in a row