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If your child has a fever or is in pain, you can use acetaminophen for 2 months and older or ibuprofen for 6 months and older. The dosage is based on the concentration of the medication and the weight of your child. You can find the concentration of the medication written on the box and bottle.
If your child is less than 2 month- old and has a temperature (under arm thermometer – do not use rectal thermometer) >100, call the office right away before giving any medications.
If you cannot find the concentration on the box/bottle or cannot match the concentration to our list, call the office.
Acetaminophen – pain or fever
Do not dose more than 5 times per day.
Abbreviations: mg = milligrams, ml = milliliter, tsp = teaspoon, lbs = pounds
Suppositories: Acetaminophen is also available as a rectal suppository in 120-mg, 325-mg, and 650-mg dosages. Suppositories are useful if a child with a fever is vomiting often or having seizures caused by the fever. Use the same dose as listed above for the suppository. Most suppositories can be cut (for example, cut in half) to supply the right dose for your child’s age. If your child is sick enough to warrant the use of a suppository, call the office right away.
Ibuprofen – for pain or fever
Do not dose more than 3 times per day. Do not administer to children under 6 months of age.
Abbreviations: mg = milligrams, ml = milliliter, tsp = teaspoon, lbs = pounds
Avoid Aspirin
Children (through age 21 years) should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox or influenza (any cold, cough, or sore throat symptoms). This recommendation is based on several studies that have linked aspirin to Reye’s syndrome, a severe encephalitis-like illness. Most pediatricians have stopped using aspirin for fevers associated with any illness.
Benadryl – for alleries/allergic reaction
Do not use Diphenhydramine for children under 1 year of age unless instructed to do so by a physician.
Abbreviations: mg = milligrams, ml = milliliter, tsp = teaspoon, lbs = pounds