My doctor told me to alternate using ibuprofen and acetaminophen to treat my child's fever. Why?
Acetaminophen
and ibuprofen are both
appropriate choices for treating a fever. Many doctors recommend that parents alternate giving
their child ibuprofen and acetaminophen. There are two possible reasons why alternating
treatment would benefit over either medication used alone.
First, ibuprofen and acetaminophen
act at different areas in the body to decrease fever. It is thought that combining the two
treatments together has a greater effect on decreasing fever than one medication used alone. A
recent study has shown that when children were given both ibuprofen and acetaminophen, their
fever fell faster, and they needed less medication, their symptoms improved faster, and they
had less recurrence of their fever.
Second, ibuprofen and acetaminophen
both have side effects. Ibuprofen can cause stomach problems, and acetaminophen can lead to
liver damage if dosed inappropriately. When alternating both these medications, lower doses of
both are given, which decreases the child's risk of developing side effects.
The downside to alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen
is the more complicated dosing schedule. Parents must remember which medication was given each
time. Also, ibuprofen and acetaminophen require different doses, which can lead to possible
overdosing of either medication.
Remember to not administer both these medications at the same time.
The best way to avoid these problems is to write down the time, name of the medication, and
what dose was given.
It is recommended that you speak to your child's doctor before beginning alternating
treatment. Each doctor has his or her own opinion regarding the risks and benefits for this
treatment option. Your child may have certain medical conditions or use certain medications
that would prohibit use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If the doctor does recommend it, ask him or her to be specific about what doses of each
medication to use and how frequently each dose should be given.
Visit the Health Encyclopedia to learn more about fever.
If you're looking for more specific answers to specific questions, ask a Walgreens pharmacist here.
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