Fever is a common sign of illness, but that’s not always a bad thing for children older than 6 months. Fevers play a key role in fighting infections.
These recommendations for treating fever are for kids who are generally healthy. Babies under 3 months with fever should always see the doctor right away. Between 3-6 months, you can use some discretion but have a low bar for seeing the doctor within a day or two depending on how they’re acting. Of course, at any age, double check with your pediatrician or pharmacist regarding dosing and use for your child’s specific situation.
Rectal and oral thermometers provide the most accurate measurement of core body temperature. The values listed in the tables below are for temperatures taken this way. A stick style thermometer can also be used under the armpit if you get a good seal and the child is not wet. Other types of thermometers, such as ear (tympanic membrane) or forehead (temporal artery) thermometers, although convenient, provide less accurate temperature measurements.
DRUG NAMES:
Acetaminophen and paracetamol are the same drug, but they have different doses for the same weight range. Acetaminophen brand names include Tylenol, Little Remedies, TopCare and more. Paracetamol brand names include Calpol and Panadol.
BE CAREFUL!
You must double check the product you buy for the concentration on liquid medicines (listed as 160mg/5ml or 120mg/5ml). Dose based on weight; if you don’t know it, then go with your child’s age range.
Infant CALPOL 120mg/5ml oral suspension
Age |
Average weight |
Dose |
Under 3 months |
|
Not recommended |
3- 6 months |
6- 8 kg |
3.75 ml |
6 – 24 months |
8 – 12 kg |
5 ml |
2 – 4 years |
12 – 16 kg |
7.5 ml |
4 – 6 years |
16 – 20 kg |
10 ml |
__________________________________________________________________
Infant/Children’s Tylenol 160mg/5ml oral suspension
Age |
Average weight |
Dose |
Under 3 months* |
6 – 11 lb (3-5 kg) |
1.25 ml |
4 – 11 months |
12 – 17 lb (5-7 kg) |
2.5 ml |
12 – 23 months |
18 – 23 lb (8-10 kg) |
3.75 ml |
2 – 3 years |
24 – 35 lb (11-15 kg) |
5 ml |
4 – 5 years |
36 – 47 lb (16-21 kg) |
7.5 ml |
*only if directed by a doctor
For older ages, click here:
https://downloads.aap.org/HC/EN/Acetaminophen_Pictographic_Dosing_Chart_download.pdf
For further information, click here:
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/how-and-when-to-give-paracetamol-for-children/
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/in-depth/fever/art-20050997
https://www.tylenol.com/safety-dosing/tylenol-dosage-for-children-infants