Tylenol vs. Ibuporfen....Fever, Whaat?? Calling your Doctor

Most of you know what Tylenol and Ibuprofen are used for. Lets take a closer look at when, why and how to use them for your little one.

Fever: A Fever is symptom, Not a Diagnosis.

Meaning...

Lower fevers, such as 99-103 degrees (ear) are fantastic. They are fantastic, because the body is caring for itself. It is raising it's internal temperature to fight off whatever is causing your child to not feel well. Let those types of fevers be, and baby your child a little while it "runs it's course." Let them watch the videos, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Re-Check Temp often.
{Newborns less than 2mo old, call Doctor immediately, if Rectal temp is 100 degrees or more}


High Fevers, such as 104+ degrees (ear) are more for concern {for 2mo old and older}. These type need to be carefully monitored and controlled, using medication. Your child may need to be cooled in a tepid, (not hot or cold) very shallow bath by sponging, remove hot clothing etc. If the fever is not brought under control (down a few degrees 30minutes after taking Tylenol), then you may need to take action; Calling pediatrician, Visting an Urgent Care or ER depending upon symptoms/behavior and recommendations.
See below for the inside info on Calling their Doctor.
Keep in mind, the height of the fever doesn't tell the seriousness of the illness. The child's behavior tells us the most.
No permanent harm is done, unless the temperature reaches 107 degrees!

Okay...So what is the story on Tylenol vs. Ibuprofen for Fevers?

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is the first choice, because it usually does the trick with less side effects. It should lower the fever 2-3 degrees (not all the way back to normal though) about
1-2hrs after it is given. It will need to be administered every 4-6hrs to keep the fever lowered, until the illness is over. Do not wake a sleeping child to administer doses. Re-Check temperature often.

Tylenol Infant DROP Dosages
{for 2mo - 3yrs}
Up to 12lbs = 0.4mL
12-18lbs = 0.8mL
18-23lbs = 1.2mL
23-30lbs = 1.6mL
30-36lbs = 2.0mL

Ibuprofen (Advil & Motrin) is sometimes recommended by their Doctor for High Fevers, that are not being brought down using Tylenol {for 6months old and older}.
It is longer lasting, and should be given every 6-8hrs. It is not for routine use.

Ibuprofen Infant DROP Dosage
{for 6mo - 2yrs}
12-17lbs = 1.25mL
18-23lbs = 1.875mL

Ibuprofen Child LIQUID Dosage
{for 2-11yrs}
24-35lbs = 1 tsp
36-47lbs = 1.5 tsp
48-59lbs = 2 tsp
60-71lbs = 2.5 tsp
72-95lbs = 3 tsp

Intereting FYI: Tylenol and Ibuprofen DO NOT interact with each other. This means, if absolutely neccesary, you do not have to wait until Tyelnol has lost its effect to start an Ibuprofen regimen. I've given my 3yr old Tylenol, called the doctor 30min later and she said it was safe to administer Ibuprofen right then, since the Tylenol wasn't doing the trick.
However, only do this in extreme situations, never double up on Tylenol and Ibuprofen intentionally!

Calling their Doctor: You always have the option of calling your pediatrician at any time of the day, any day of the week. Really.

Heres How....

Call the main number of your pediatrician's office. (Number should be stored in your cell!)

Listen to the answering machine..wait for an additional phone number given, to reach the "on call" Doctor. It may not be your child's doctor, but an associate physician.

Usually this number you call, is an answering service. A third party to protect the Doc's private number. The person will ask you for your phone number and a general complaint, such as "Fever." No need for details for this person.

The third pary answering service will then call the "on call" Doctor, and provide them with your phone number.

Wait near the your phone, and the doctor will call you.

Tell the doctor who you are, who your child is, who their regular doctor is, how old they are...and then the situation. They need to know all that they can, so be ready to describe symptoms, series of events, and the temperature reading. Also, be able to tell them if your child is acting unusual. Behavior is very important, and you know your child best!