HELP! Alternating Motrin and Tylenol

[King Alfred Academy]

DS5 has a temp of 103.3. I gave him Motrin 2 hours ago. I recall alternating Motrin with Tylenol, but I can't remember the time frame. When can I give him Tylenol and then when can I give him more Motrin?

 

Thanks!

[tadbhoward]

Every 3 hours.

[jg_puppy]

I thought it was 2-3 hours, but we haven't had to do it much so I may be off.

 

Jan

[Starr]

I hope he's doing better by now. You can also wash him down a bit with rubbing alcohol. Most chldren do fine with a temp of 103 but I try hard to get them down. Keep giving him sips of fluids. I pray you all get a little rest. You can give the meds as often as directed. I don't think it matters how close to each other they are. I would try and alternate them every 3 hours.

[Unicorn.]

You can alternate every 2 hours if needed. You can give Motrin every four hours and you can gie tylenol every four hours, so by alternating every 2 hours, you are dosing only one type every 4hrs. Does that make sense?

[BabyBre]

Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 6 hours. Acetominephen (Tylenol) every 4.

 

Just saw all the conflicting responses! Doesn't it say on the package how often to give it? Above is what our doctor just told us when ds had strep throat to bring his 104 fever down, and it's what we've always done.

Edited November 15, 2008 by BabyBre

[King Alfred Academy]

thanks for coming to my aid! As of now, his temp is 102.9 and he is sleeping soundly. He has been very good about drinking water and every time he goes to the bathroom he says, "Mom, I got some germs out." It's too cute. :001_smile:

[JoyfulMama]

Three hours is the recommended schedule if you feel you need to treat with both for a high fever (over 104).

The logic for 3 hrs is:

Tylenol is a 4-6 hr dosage. No more than 5 doses in 24 hrs. (Too much is taxing on the liver.)

Motrin is a 6-8 hr dosage.

Taking something every 3 hrs, allows the tylenol and motrin to both be given at 6 hr intervals.

[newlifemom]

The only time I would be concerned with 103.3 is if the child was seriously complaining of pain or very lethargic. How old is your son? If he is acting fine I would only give at night. Now if hs is an infant or over say 12 then I might worry with that temp more.

 

Take that for what it is worth. a SAHM who went to college for history. :D

 

 

 

ETA: Just went back and saw his age. Honestly if he isn't complaining or overly lethargic I would give one dose of motrin before bed and not worry. Of course when my kids get a fever 103.3 is really low. They go as high as 105. And with 103.3 they've been known to play just a rambunctiously as normal. I don't know what is normal for your ds.

Edited November 15, 2008 by newlifemom

[cillakat]

Every two hours you can give one then the other. Since they are both "4-6 hours" and you're essentially going on the four hour schedule, just staggering them.

 

:)

K

[lynn]

Pediatricians no long recommend doing this. I would call and ask. I was told with #4 to choose either tylenol or motrin but do not alternate.

[Lisa R.]

Even if it is not a prescription medication, pharmacists are usually great about answering questions like this. It's free advice and likely the most up to date information about the medicine in question.