Fever is one of the most common reasons children are taken to healthcare facilities. However, what concerns many parents most is not the fever itself, but choosing and using fever-reducing medicine correctly.
It is important to remember that fever-reducing medicines help make children more comfortable, but they do not treat the underlying cause of the fever. Most fevers in children are caused by viral infections and will resolve on their own. Therefore, the goal of treating a fever is to relieve discomfort, encourage drinking fluids, improve eating and sleeping, and reduce the risk of dehydration, not to bring the body temperature back to 37°C (98.6°F).
Currently, the two most commonly used fever-reducing medicines for children are Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen.
1. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Paracetamol is the most commonly used medicine for reducing fever and relieving pain in children. It is effective in lowering fever and relieving mild to moderate pain, such as a sore throat, headache, or pain after vaccination.
Common brand names include:
- Efferalgan
- Hapacol
- Panadol
- Sara
- Tylenol
- and many others.
In the United States and Canada, this medicine is commonly called Acetaminophen, while Paracetamol is the preferred name in many other countries. Although the names differ, they refer to the same active ingredient.
Paracetamol is available in several dosage forms, including:
- Oral syrup
- Tablets
- Powder sachets
- Rectal suppositories
⚠️ Oral and rectal formulations contain the same active ingredient. They should not be used at the same time, as this may increase the risk of accidental overdose.
Advantages of Paracetamol
- Suitable for most children with fever when there are no contraindications.
- Less likely to cause stomach irritation.
- Generally considered the first-choice medicine when a fever-reducing medication is needed in children.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen belongs to the group of medicines known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition to reducing fever and relieving pain, it also has anti-inflammatory effects.
Common brand names include:
- Brufen
- Nurofen
- Polebufen
- Ibuprofen STADA
- and many others.
Ibuprofen should generally be used only if:
- The child is at least 3 months old.
- The child weighs more than 5 kg (11 lb), unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
To reduce the risk of stomach irritation, Ibuprofen should be given after meals or with food whenever possible.
⚠️ Do not use Ibuprofen if your child:
- Is suspected of having or has been diagnosed with dengue fever.
- Has gastrointestinal bleeding or a history of stomach or duodenal ulcers.
- Is allergic to Ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Has severe dehydration or certain kidney conditions, unless specifically advised by a doctor.
One advantage of Ibuprofen is that its fever-reducing effect may last longer in some children, and it also provides anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it has more contraindications and precautions than Paracetamol.rs anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it has more contraindications and precautions that should be considered before use.
3. Choosing the Right Medicine Is Not Enough – You Must Also Choose the Correct Strength
Many parents remember the brand name of a medicine but do not pay attention to the strength of the active ingredient.
For example, two bottles of Paracetamol syrup may have different concentrations:
- 120 mg/5 mL
- 160 mg/5 mL
- 250 mg/5 mL
⚠️ Using the wrong concentration may result in underdosing, making the medicine less effective, or overdosing, which increases the risk of harm.
Before calculating a dose or giving medicine to your child, always check:
- The active ingredient.
- The medicine strength (concentration).
- The dosage form.
- The expiration date.
4. Medication Doses Are Calculated According to Body Weight
For children, body weight is the most important factor when calculating the correct dose of fever-reducing medicine.
⚠️ Always use your child’s current body weight or the most recently measured weight. Do not estimate your child’s weight or rely on measurements taken several months ago.
5. Not Every Fever Requires Medication
Not every episode of fever requires treatment with fever-Not every fever requires fever-reducing medicine.
If your child is:
- Playing normally.
- Drinking fluids well.
- Not excessively uncomfortable.
Then careful observation and supportive care may be more important than trying to return the body temperature to normal.
The goal of fever treatment is to help your child feel more comfortable—not simply to reduce the temperature to 37°C (98.6°F).
6. When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care?
⚠️ Seek medical care immediately if your child has any of the following:
- A fever in a child younger than 3 months of age.
- A seizure.
- Difficulty breathing or abnormal breathing.
- Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking up.
- Refuses to breastfeed, eat, or drink.
- Signs of dehydration.
- Persistent or recurrent fever.
- Any symptom or sign that causes you concern.
7. FeverCare Helps Calculate Fever Medication Doses
FeverCare, developed by Bác sĩ bên con (Doctor by Your Side), is a clinical decision-support tool designed to help parents calculate appropriate doses of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen based on a child’s body weight and other relevant information.
⚠️ Accurate results depend on entering the correct information, including:
- The child’s age.
- The child’s body weight.
- The medication being used.
- The medicine strength (concentration).
FeverCare is intended as a reference tool only. It does not replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always verify the medication, its strength, and the calculated dose before giving it to your child.
Conclusion
Fever-reducing medicines help children feel more comfortable, but they do not treat the underlying cause of the fever. Whenever medication is needed, always choose the correct medicine, use the correct strength, and calculate the dose based on your child’s current body weight.
FeverCare is designed to help parents calculate Paracetamol and Ibuprofen doses quickly and accurately. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child develops warning signs or you are concerned about their condition, seek medical care promptly.