Can You Alternate Tylenol and Advil Safely?
Alternating Tylenol and Advil: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Yes, you can safely alternate Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) for your child, and it's actually a common strategy that many pediatricians recommend for managing stubborn fevers and pain. You're not doing anything wrong by considering this approach.
How it works
Alternating these medications can be more effective than using just one because they work differently in your child's body. Tylenol blocks pain signals in the brain, while Advil reduces inflammation and fever at the source.
The key is timing and dosing. You'll give one medication, wait 3 to 4 hours, then give the other medication. This means your child gets relief every 3 to 4 hours instead of waiting the full 6 to 8 hours between doses of the same medication.
For example, if you give Tylenol at 8 AM, you can give Advil at 12 PM, then Tylenol again at 4 PM, and Advil at 8 PM. Keep a written log because it's easy to forget which medication you gave when, especially during those long sick days.
What you'll need
- Age-appropriate Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Age-appropriate Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen)
- A notebook or phone app to track timing and doses
- A scale or measuring device for liquid medications
- Your child's current weight for proper dosing
Getting the doses right
Always dose by your child's weight, not age, for the most accurate and safe amount. Check the packaging for weight-based dosing charts, or ask your pharmacist if you're unsure.
Remember that Advil should not be given to babies under 6 months old. For babies this young, stick with Tylenol only and talk to your healthcare provider about the best approach.
Common questions
Can I give them at the same time? No, always space them 3 to 4 hours apart. Giving them together doesn't make them work better and increases the risk of side effects.
How long can I alternate? Most experts suggest not alternating for more than 24 to 48 hours without checking in with a healthcare provider. If your child still needs this much pain or fever relief after two days, something else might be going on.
What if I mix up the timing? Don't panic. If you accidentally give doses too close together, skip the next scheduled dose and restart your alternating schedule. When in doubt, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
The takeaway
Alternating Tylenol and Advil is a safe, effective tool in your parenting toolkit when used correctly. Trust yourself to manage this.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References - [Fever and temperature taking](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/feverandtemperaturetaking)
- [Acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever and pain](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=62&language=english)
- [Safe use of over-the-counter pain and fever medications](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/safeuseofoverthecounterpainandfevermedications)