Dr Phil Kieran: How much Calpol or Nurofen can I give a child?
'For example, if the thermometer reads 38.5C but the child is in good form, there's usually no need to reach for medication.'
How much? How frequently? And which one? I’m asked these questions weekly.
Paracetamol commonly marketed as Calpol and ibuprofen most commonly sold as Nurofen are the mainstay of pain relief and fever control in kids.
These medications work in different ways, but both provide pain relief and bring down a temperature.
A child's high temperature (fever) is a sustained temperature of over 38C. I advise parents to treat their child, not the thermometer.
For example, if the thermometer reads 38.5C but the child is in good form, there's usually no need to reach for medication. Conversely, if the child is in pain and the temperature is normal, I'd suggest trying a dose of paracetamol and seeing if it helps.
Paracetamol is almost always my first choice for kids. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and is eliminated from the body predominantly by the kidneys. This means we need to be a little more careful about using it.
Any condition that causes dehydration will put the kidneys under pressure. I would be cautious about using anti-inflammatory ibuprofen if there is vomiting or diarrhoea as it can risk causing kidney damage.
Now, to answer the question that started this discussion. Paracetamol and ibuprofen don’t interact with each other and there are times (particularly with injuries) when we will give both at the same time.
I always tell parents to think of these two medicines separately. It is crucial not to overdose the child.
Carefully look at the dosing recommendation on the pack - I strongly recommend getting the box that comes with a dosing syringe as it is much more accurate than using the teaspoon measure.
Paracetamol can be given four times daily, which works out at every six hours if evenly spaced. You can give it after a four-hour gap but if you do this you will have given all the doses allowed in 16 hours and will need to leave an eight-hour gap till you start the four doses again.
Ibuprofen can be given three times per day so every eight hours (it can be given after six hours but you will need to leave a gap as above).
If giving these medications regularly, I suggest putting a piece of paper on the cupboard where the meds are kept and writing down every dose you give to ensure you stick to the recommended doses and time intervals.
If the child is not getting any better after three days, it's best to contact your GP.
- Question source: WhatsApp parent forum
- If you have a question for Dr Phil, please send it to parenting@examiner.ie
