How to take fever reducers

Acetaminophen

Ibuprofen
Side Effects,Onset of Action, Duration of Action
Cross-Administration Method

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side effect

 

Combined use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be approached with caution, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before administering both medications simultaneously to a child.

 

Ingredients	Side Effects	Contraindication
Acetaminophen	Elevated liver enzymes	Children with liver diseases such as liver failure, biliary obstruction, etc., should not take the medication.
Ibuprofen	Nephrotoxicity, decreased platelet count (risk of bleeding)	Children with urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, renal failure, renal cancer, or undergoing treatment for other cancers are prohibited from taking the medication.

 

 

 

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Onset of Action

	Acetaminophen	Ibuprofen
Onset of action time	Onset of action is typically within 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration.	Onset of action is typically within 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration.
Time to peak effect	Reaches peak levels within 1-3 hours after ingestion	Reaches peak levels within 1-2 hours after ingestion
Duration of Action	The effects typically last for 4 to 6 hours.	The effects typically last for 4 to 6 hours.

 

 

However, clinical experience and the explanation from pediatricians differ. 

Tylenol has a fast onset of action but a short duration. 

Ibuprofen, on the other hand, has a slower onset but a longer duration.

 It is a common belief that taking a fever reducer once for a high fever of 39 degrees Celsius will immediately bring 

the body temperature back to the normal range of 36.8 degrees Celsius. 

The expected response after taking a fever reducer once is a reduction of 1 degree. 

If the temperature drops from 39 to 38 degrees Celsius after taking a fever reducer, it is considered an effective response. Additionally, cross administration of different fever reducers can be employed to bring the temperature down by 1 degree.

 

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Clinical experience

 

The order of taking ibuprofen and Tylenol doesn't matter. For a child taking a fever reducer for the first time, especially if there are no underlying health conditions, it is recommended to start with Tylenol and then use ibuprofen.

If the child has already been given both medications, based on the mother's experience, it is suggested to start with the medication the child responds well to.

Many say Tylenol is not as effective, so whether it's Tylenol or ibuprofen, if using only one fever reducer, it is crucial to adhere to a 4-6 hour interval between doses.

 

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Cross-Administration Method

 

Different classes can be taken with a 2-hour interval, while the same medication should be administered with a 4-6 hour gap.

For example:

8 am: Tylenol
10 am: Ibuprofen
12 pm: Tylenol (4-hour interval)
2 pm: Ibuprofen (4-hour interval)
This schedule can be followed.re to a 4-6 hour interval between doses.

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intravenous (IV) fluid therapy

 

Let's be prepared by knowing hospitals where intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is available for children, even during late hours. Save the contact numbers in advance.

If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, it's essential to consider IV fluid therapy:

-Condition worsens.
-Difficulty eating.
-Decreased urine output.

Children's bodies have a higher proportion of water compared to adults. Those under the age of 5 are at a higher risk of febrile seizures, and due to immature liver function, they are prone to hypoglycemia during illnesses like high fever. In my experience working in pediatric emergency rooms, there were cases where children, diagnosed with a common cold, came in unconscious. Most exhibited signs of altered consciousness, unresponsiveness, and moist, cool skin. The cause was often a shock due to hypoglycemia, with blood glucose levels measuring 20-30mg/dl (normal: 70mg/dl~100mg/dl).

Immediate administration of a 20% glucose solution based on the child's weight can lead to the child waking up and regaining consciousness.to a 4-6 hour interval between doses.