Fever in children: Medical help

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​