Fever Reducer Dosing

Management of fevers:

Fevers are a normal human response to disease, and as such, are useful in fighting infections. Fevers less than 106F are not harmful to our bodies & brains, although they can make us very uncomfortable! In children, that discomfort is difficult to tolerate and can contribute to other problems, such as fussiness and dehydration.

To reduce fevers in young children, we generally recommend first attending to their environment (removing excessive clothing/bedding, considering humidifiers and/or fans as appropriate) and considering measures such as sponge-bathing with lukewarm water (need to avoid shivering). It is important to ‘push’ fluids in a child with fevers to promote good hydration.

There are ‘over the counter’ fever reducing medications which are very effective (see dosing below - or AAP dosing tables). 

If your child suffers from fevers for more than 3-4 days, has fevers develop late in an illness, or is suffering from fevers without a clear source of infection, it is important to call your pediatrician. Those situations are higher risk for bacterial (instead of viral) infections and an exam - in the office - is very likely to be recommended.

Fever reducer medication dosing:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used at all ages. (although if a newborn has a fever, a call should be placed to their pediatrician as well) Dosing is by weight rather than age.

All doses should be separated by at least 4 hrs.

For weights of: 

Up to 11 lbs: Give 1.25 ml (40 mg of 160mg/5 ml Infant solution)

12-17 lbs: Give 2.5 ml (80 mg) Infant Solution

18-23 lbs: Give 3.75 ml (120 mg) Infant Solution

24-35 lbs: Give 5 ml (160 mg) Infant Solution

36-47 lbs: Give 7.5 ml or 1.5 chewable tabs (240 mg) 

48-59 lbs: Give 10 ml or 2 chewable tabs (320 mg)

60-71 lbs: Give 12.5 ml or 2.5 chewable tabs (400 mg)

72-95 lbs: 15 ml or 3 chewable tabs (480 mg)

Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can be used for ages 6 months and up.

Dosing is by weight rather than age.

All doses should be separated by at least 6 hrs.

(Of note, there is a difference in concentration between the Infant suspension (50 mg per 1.25 ml) for Ibuprofen and the Children’s suspension (100 mg per 5 ml); it is important to dose these carefully.)

For weights of:

Up to 11 lbs: Generally not recommended until baby > 6 months of age

12-17 lbs: Give 1.25 ml (50 mg) of the Infant 50 mg/1.25 ml suspension or 2.5 ml (50 mg) of the Children’s 100 mg/5 ml

suspension

18-23 lbs: Give 1.875 ml (75 mg) of the Infant suspension or 4 ml (80 mg) of the Children’s suspension

24-35 lbs: Give 2.5 ml (100 mg) of the Infant suspension or 5 ml (100 mg) of the Children’s suspension

36-47 lbs: Give 7.5 ml (150 mg) of the Children’s suspension or 1.5 chewable tablets (150 mg) 

48-59 lbs: Give 10 ml of the Children’s suspension or 2 chewable tabs (200 mg)

60-71 lbs: Give 12.5 ml of the Children’s Suspension or 2.5 chew tabs (250 mg)

72-95 lbs: Give 15 ml of the Children’s Suspension or 3 chewable tabs (300 mg)