How Can Fever In A Child Be Treated?

Posted on Sat, 13 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 13 May 2017 Answered on

Mon, 29 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, My son is 8 yrs old and weighs 48 kgs. He is having high grade fever - 38.9 C. We are traveling and the doctor here has prescribed 10ml paracetamol 250mg/5ml syrup with 7ml ibuprofen 100 mg/5ml. Based on our experience back home this dosage seems low considering his weight. Both paracetamol and brufen are not able to control the fever. Can I get a second opinion on the dosage?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
dosage seems to be fine here

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Welcome back to HealthcareMagic,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern for your son,

Well, as per his body weight and age, both the dosage seems just fine..

However, Ibuprofen is basically analgesic(pain killer) and at such high temperatures(38.9C), fever needs to be controlled by Tepid-Sponging at the earliest..do it couple of times throughout the fever period..

Paracetamol is the drug of choice for controlling fever, the recommended dosage are 10-15 mg/kg/dose. Give Per Oral every 4-6 hours after some food and do not exceed more than 4-5 doses (up to 2.6 g) in 24 hours...

So please try the tepid sponging along with round the clock Paracetamol, this should control the fever (I don't recommend Ibuprofen at such young age, if these can't control the fever, then I'd suggest to take him to any nearby children's hospital for a prompt check-up and a few relevant investigations to rule out any tropical illness in the first place)..

Make sure he stays well hydrated, drink plenty of water and other liquids(more than the usual, during this phase especially) and also have simple easily digestible foods...

Let me know if I can assist you further...

Wish him a fast recovery....

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee