FEVER

Are there other significant symptoms besides fever?

• If yes, then return to the Home Page and check other problem(s) first.

Is the patient under 3 months old and not had a shot recently?
Is the fever staying above 103 degrees?
Has there been fever for over 48 hours?

• If yes to any of the above, the patient should be examined by a physician promptly.
• If no, then follow the instructions below.

ACTIVITIES:  Children should stay home from school till fever is gone.  Decrease activity until feeling better.  You do not have to stay in bed if you feel like being up.

• SPONGING:  If the temperature is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit and not coming down after giving Tylenol, a patient can be placed in a tub with a few inches of lukewarm water. Splash the water over most of the body surface for up to 45 minutes. Contact the clinic if this does not help bring the temperature down. Do not use rubbing alcohol.

MEDICATIONS:  You should take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) for temperatures over 102°F. Most patients will not need medication for fever under 102 degrees unless there are also aches and pains.

• TYLENOL:  The following dosages are to be used every 4 hours.
  • For 7-12 pounds give ½ dropperful of Tylenol Drops.
  • For 13-21 pounds give 1 dropperful of Tylenol Drops.
  • For 22-26 pounds give ¾ teaspoon of Tylenol Elixir.
  • For 27-35 pounds give 1 teaspoon of Tylenol Elixir.
  • For 36-45 pounds give 1½ teaspoon of Tylenol Elixir.
  • For 46-65 pounds give 4 Tylenol 80mg chewable tablets.
  • For 66-76 pounds give 5 Tylenol 80mg chewable tablets.
  • For 77-83 pounds give 6 Tylenol 80mg chewable tablets.
  • For 84-100 pounds give 7 Tylenol 80mg chewable tablets.
  • For over 100 pounds give 2 regular or extra-strength Tylenol.
    
  One regular strength Tylenol tablet 325mg = 2 Junior Strength Tylenol = 4 chewable Children's Tylenol = 2 teaspoons = 4 dropperfuls.

• IBUPROFEN:  When Tylenol does not keep the fever down, you can also use ibuprofen (such as Advil, Nuprin, or Motrin). The following doses may be given by mouth every 6 hours if temperature is over 102°F.
  • For 12-17 pounds give ½ teaspoon Children's Motrin (100mg/5ml).
  • For 18-23 pounds give 1 teaspoon.
  • For 24-35 pounds give 1½ teaspoon.
  • For 36-47 pounds give 2 teaspoons (or 1 Motrin IB tablet).
  • For 48-59 pounds give 2½ teaspoons.
  • For 60-71 pounds give 3 teaspoons.
  • For 72-83 pounds give 3½ teaspoons.
  • For over 84 pounds give 2 Motrin IB tablets (or 4 teaspoons).

DIET:  Drink plenty of fluids as this helps decrease the fever and prevent dehydration.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. The temperature is staying over 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. You see no improvement after 24 hours.
3. The patient has seizure, twitching, or unusual behavior.
4. There is excessive vomiting or diarrhea, unusual pain, difficulty breathing, or stiff neck.
5. Signs of dehydration occur: Dry mouth, tearless or sunken eyes, little or no urine.

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This page was last updated on 19 August 1999.