Several medications can reduce body temperature by blocking the mechanisms that cause a fever. These so-called antipyretic agents include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. All three of these over-the-counter drugs appear to be equally effective at reducing fever. However, because aspirin may cause or be associated with Reye syndrome, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using aspirin to treat a simple fever in children.
Acetominophen can be given without a doctor’s advice once your child is older than three months, and ibuprofen can be given to children older than six months of age. However, if your child has kidney disease, asthma, an ulcer, or other chronic illness, ask your doctor first if ibuprofen is safe. If your child is dehydrated or vomiting, ibuprofen should only be given under the supervision of a doctor due to risk of kidney damage.
Ideally, the doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be based on a child’s weight, not his age. However, the dosages listed on the labels of acetaminophen bottles (which are usually calculated by age) are generally safe and effective unless your child is unusually light or heavy for his age. Keep in mind that at too high doses of acetaminophen, a toxic response in the liver can develop, although it happens only rarely. When a toxic reaction does occur, the symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
As a general guideline, read and follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s label when using any medication. Following the instructions is important to ensure that your child receives the proper dosages. Also, other over-the-counter medications, such as cold and cough preparations, may contain acetaminophen. The simultaneous use of more than one acetaminophen-containing product may be dangerous, so read all medication labels to ensure that your child is not receiving multiple doses of the same medicine. Also, as a general rule, do not give a child under two years old either acetaminophen or any other medication without the advice of your pediatrician.
Some parents have tried alternating between giving acetaminophen and ibuprofen when their child is running a fever. This approach, however, can cause medication errors—“Which medicine am I supposed to give him next?”—and could lead to potential side effects. So if your child is uncomfortable with a fever, choose which medicine to give, and then give it consistently. Either ibuprofen or acetominophen are effective in reducing fever and making your child feel better. Always consult your doctor before changing the dose schedule, or using these medicines in combination.
Also keep in mind that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to infants and children under two years of age because of potentially serious side effects. Studies also have shown that these cough and cold products are not effective in treating the symptoms of children under six years old, and may even pose health risks.
