Is Your Baby Not Feeling Well? Everything You Need to Know About Fever and Pain Relief!

As a nurse, many parents consult me about using medications for fever reduction and pain relief. I often hear similar questions, so I decided to write a post that addresses the most common concerns concisely.

When to Use Paracetamol and When to Use Ibuprofen?

Paracetamol: Suitable for reducing fever and relieving mild to moderate pain, such as headaches or toothaches. It can be used from birth, for babies weighing at least 3 kg. For babies weighing less than 3 kg, consult a doctor before use.
Ibuprofen: Suitable for reducing fever, relieving pain, and treating inflammation. This medication is generally suitable for most infants over 3 months old, children, and adults. Use in infants aged 3–6 months is only recommended with a doctor’s prescription and is not advised for infants under 3 months or weighing less than 5 kg without medical guidance.

Paracetamol Dosage by Weight

The dosage of paracetamol is calculated based on the child’s weight:
15 mg per kg of body weight, or 0.15 ml per kg.
Administer doses at intervals of at least 4 hours, as needed, up to 5 doses per day.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Consult a doctor if fever persists for more than 3 days or symptoms do not improve within 5 days despite treatment.

Ibuprofen Dosage and Use

Ibuprofen is suitable for reducing fever and relieving mild to moderate pain in infants and children from 3 months to 12 years old (weighing up to approximately 40 kg).
Administer doses every 6–8 hours, with a minimum interval of 4 hours between doses.
Do not exceed the recommended 24-hour dosage.
For infants aged 3–6 months, ibuprofen use requires a doctor’s prescription. For children aged 6 months and older, it can be used without a prescription.

How to Use Liquid Paracetamol

Measuring the Dose: Always measure the dose using the syringe provided with the packaging. Shake the bottle well before use.
Filling the Syringe: Refer to the dosing table on the packaging, locate the required amount (in ml), insert the syringe into the bottle, and pull the plunger until the correct dose is reached.
Administering the Medication: Slowly squirt the syringe’s contents into the child’s mouth, aiming toward the inner cheek to prevent choking.
Cleaning the Syringe: Wash both parts of the syringe thoroughly with warm water and dry them after use.

Tips for Safe Use

Always read the patient information leaflet included with the medication before use and ensure you understand the instructions.
Never administer or take medication "in the dark" or without glasses if needed, to ensure you measure and give the correct dose.

How to Alternate Between Paracetamol and Ibuprofen?

When fever or pain is severe and paracetamol or ibuprofen alone is insufficient, they can be alternated as follows:

Paracetamol can be given every 4–6 hours, and ibuprofen every 6–8 hours.
To avoid overloading the child’s system, it’s recommended to separate the doses by 3–4 hours. For example, if paracetamol is given first, ibuprofen can be administered 3 hours later.

Storage Guidelines

Paracetamol: Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Ibuprofen: Also store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Always keep medications out of reach of children.

How Long Are the Medications Good After Opening?

Check the expiration date on the packaging. In most cases, these medications are valid for 6 months to a year after opening.
To keep track, mark the opening date on the bottle with a permanent marker.

Important Note

The use of medications is the sole responsibility of the parents. This post does not replace professional medical advice. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult a doctor.

If you have additional questions or need personal and professional guidance, you’re welcome to use my nursing subscription service. Feel free to get in touch here.

Feel better and stay healthy! 🌸