Family Health
PARACETAMOL OR IBUPROFEN Which should I use for my child and why? Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the two most commonly used options available for children for relief of mild to moderate pain. Both are available without prescription. Both are equally effective. Both can also be used to lower a fever (discussed below). If either are used for more than 48hrs a doctor should be consulted. The big question is paracetamol or ibuprofen, which should you use and why. There are a lot of factors at play here. Is it for pain or fever? If its pain is there any inflammation? Does your child have any allergies, take any medication or have any medical conditions? All medication should be taken at the lowest possible dose for the lowest possible duration possible. If your child has any pre-existing medical conditions or is on other medications you should check with your doctor before using any medication. Let’s take a further look at the two options.
PAIN RELIEF
ALTERNATING PARACETAMOL AND IBUPROFEN
Ibuprofen and paracetamol have shown a similar impact on pain relief. As paracetamol, when taken according to directions, has less potential for side effects it should be the first choice for pain relief in children.
There is no benefit of doing this to lower a fever and an increased risk of negative effects. If one choice alone is not working it may be worth trying alternating between these two pain relievers. However it is very important to record what you use and when to ensure you get the dose correct and to show your medical professionals if you need to consult them at any point.
FEVER A low-grade fever (eg <38–38.5°C) in children will often respond to fluids and comfort, without the need to medicate. There is no evidence that treating a fever prevents febrile seizures.
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Your Local Families Magazine April / May 2018