When to Give Tylenol or Advil for Fever
When to Give Tylenol or Advil for Fever: Medication Timing for Ontario Parents
You don't always need to treat a fever with medication. Fever is your child's body fighting infection, and it's actually helpful. But when your child is uncomfortable or the fever is high, Tylenol or Advil can provide relief.
How it works
The key isn't the exact temperature number but how your child feels. If they're playing, eating, and seem comfortable despite a fever, you can often wait and watch. Medication works best when your child is cranky, achy, or having trouble sleeping because of the fever.
For babies under 3 months, any fever over 38°C (100.4°F) needs immediate medical attention. Don't give medication first, call your doctor or head to the emergency room.
For older children, consider medication when the fever reaches 38.5°C (101.3°F) or higher and your child seems miserable. You can also give it for lower fevers if your child is clearly uncomfortable.
What you'll need
- Age appropriate Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen)
- Measuring syringe or cup that came with the medication
- Your child's current weight
- A thermometer to track the fever
Choosing between Tylenol and Advil
Both medications reduce fever effectively, but they work differently. Tylenol is gentler on the stomach and can be given every 4 to 6 hours. Advil lasts longer (6 to 8 hours) and also reduces inflammation, but it's harder on the stomach and shouldn't be given to babies under 6 months.
You can alternate between them if one isn't controlling the fever well, but keep careful track of timing and doses. Never give both at exactly the same time.
Always use the dosing chart on the package based on your child's weight, not age. When in doubt, call your pharmacy or text Arlo for dosing help.
Common questions
Should I wake my child to give fever medication? Generally no. If they're sleeping comfortably, let them rest. Sleep helps healing more than medication does.
What if the fever doesn't come down? Medication typically reduces fever by 1 to 2 degrees, not necessarily to normal. If your child seems more comfortable, it's working even if some fever remains.
Can I give medication to prevent fever? No, don't give Tylenol or Advil before a fever starts or to prevent one from coming back.
The takeaway
Trust your instincts about your child's comfort level. Fever itself rarely causes harm, but medication can help everyone feel better and rest easier.
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)
- [Fever in children](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=30&language=english)
- [When and how to treat fever in children](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/whenandhowtotreatfeverinchildren)