Fever Medications

Paracetamol

• First line of medication to be used, can be given every 4-6 hours
• Every 4 hours if temperature above 39 °C
• Every 6 hours if temperature less 39 °C
• Do not use in infants less than 3 months old

Ibuprofen

• Use only when fever is persistently above 39 °C, 1 - 2 hours after paracetamol
• Given every 6 hours
• Do not use in infants less than 1 year old, unless advised by your doctor

Diclofenac Na (Voltaren suppositories)

• Use only when fever is persistently above 39 °C, 1 - 2 hours after paracetamol
• Given every 12 hours
• Do not use in infants less than 1 year old, unless advised by your doctor

Do not give your child:

• Both ibuprofen and diclofenac at the same time as they belong to the same class of medications.
• Either ibuprofen or diclofenac if there is any severe vomiting or bleeding disorders, in view of possible bleeding from the stomach and intestines.
• An anti-pyretic usually brings down the temperature by 1 - 2 °C. Do not be alarmed if your child is still having a fever after the medication. Antibiotics are of no use in viral fevers.​​
• Do not use Aspirin in children.

Consult your doctor when your child:

• Is feeding poorly, vomiting or lethargic
• Is very young, especially less than 3 months old
• Has difficulty breathing
• Is drowsy
• Looks sicker than previously
• Has abdominal pain and discomfort
• Has rash
• Has decreased urine output

Useful telephone numbers

• Central Appointment - 6294 4050

Click on page 1 to read about some fever facts and what you can do at home to bring down fever in children.

Ref: V10​