Paracetamol&ibuprofen for fever

[Neska]

Can i give both medicines to 9year old?he's got 38.7C fever but no other symptoms just feels hot .thank u for quick replies.

[DrFluffy]

Yes - paracetamol dose is 15mg/kg and ibuprofen is 5mg/kg. Avoid ibuprofen is your child has brittle asthma as can bring on an attack.

You can give paracetamol 4 times a day and ibuprofen 3 times a day.

In A&E I used to suggest parents alternate the medications - I.e paracetamol then 3 hours later ibuprofen then three hours later paracetamol, etc...

If it doesn't settle, get him checked out in A&E or with your GP.

[Hidden]

no best to alternate paracetamol first then 3 to 3 1/2 hours later ibuprofen, as the paracetamol is wearing off, I would only give both if temp was 39+ and was struggling to get his temp down, that's only what I would do but obviously your with him you have to decide what's best, if the paracetamol isn't working then give the other, give paracetamol and check temp in half hour? Hope he isn't to poorly x

[Neska]

Thanks for your replies.i gave him paracetamol and i'll wait a bit to see if its gone down.he seems ok in himself just looks so red and hot.i turned the heating completely of so he wont overheat and keep give him loads of water to drink.he went swimming with school today and kids are not allowed to dry their hair as there is no time!i bet its b'cos of that.he got cold and now temp.No school tomorrow then but trip to the dr instead.xx

[DrFluffy]

Cold compresses and a fan on him are also good non-drug alternatives x

[Neska]

Yeah i'm doing it now xx

[Neska]

Update from yesterday:i took my son to see gp this morning.his temp.was still 39 but parently its only viral infection.it went down in the day to 37 but now back to 39.is this normal with viral inf.?i keep give him calpol and nurofen.i hate when his poorly