Child Temperature Guidelines

 

A fever does not necessarily indicate a dangerous infection.  A child’s temperature regulating mechanism is not well developed and thus the fever is often higher than one would expect with relatively minor infections.  Actually, a slight rise in body temperature might even be helpful in fighting off the infection.

The following instructions will help in lowering the temperature and avoiding complications: 

1. 2)  If the temperature is above 101° rectally, give acetaminophen every four hours (see chart for dosage).
2. 3)  If the temperature is above 104° rectally, sponge the child for 15 minutes in medium temperature water.  This is best done in the sink or bathtub, and may be repeated ever ½ hour.  Do not use alcohol to sponge the child.
3. 4)  Give the child plenty of fluids, and make sure he/she is resting.  Be sure not to dress your baby too warmly or overheat the room, as this will aggravate the fever.
4. 5)  Follow the doctor’s orders with regard to antibiotics and other medications.
5. 6)  If child is at least 6 months old, ibuprofen can also be used (see back of this sheet).
6. 7)  Do not use real aspirin.

ACETAMINOPHEN DOSING CHART

Give these doses every 4-6 hours up to 5 doses per day, unless directed otherwise by your physician.

 

                                                          Patient weight in Pounds

Product	6-11	12-17	18-23	24-35	36-47	48-59	60-71	72-95
Drops:Anacin-3, Panadol,Tylenol, Tempra, St. Joseph Aspirin Free
Dose in Droppersful (and mg: 80mg = 1 dropperful)	½ 40mg	1 80mg	1 ½ 120 mg	2 160mg	3 240mg	4 320mg	5 400mg	6 480mg
Elixirs/Liquids: Child’s Anacin3, Tylenol,Panadol, Tempra Syrup
Dose in teaspoonful 1 teaspoon = 5 ml = 5cc	--	½	¾	1	1 ½	2	2 ½	3
Dose in Milliliters (ml) 160 mg = 5 ml    160 mg = 1 tsp	--	2.5ml	3.8ml	5ml	7.5 ml	10ml	12.5ml	15 ml
Chewable Tablets: Anacin-3,Panadol, Tylenol,Tempra, St. Joseph Aspirin Free
Dose in Tablet 80 mg tablet	--	--	--	2	3	4	5	6
Adult Tablet Regular Strength	--	--	--	½	¾	1	1 ¼	1 ½

Ibuprofen Dosing Chart

For children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years of age:  give these doses every 6-8 hours.

Please note, some ibuprofen drops are available at 50ml/1.25 ml concentration, which would make this chart ineffective.

Children’s Ibuprofen 100mg/5ml suspension (Motrin, Advil,Pediaprofen)

Weight (lbs)	6-11	12-17	18-23	24-35	36-47	48-59	60-71	72-95
Dose for fever less than 102.5° F  (oral)	20 mg	35 mg	50 mg	65 mg	90 mg	120 mg	150 mg	190 mg
Dose in Milliliters	1 ml	1.75 ml	2.5 ml	3.25 ml	4.5 ml	6 ml	7.5 ml	9.5 ml
Dose for fever of 102.5° and higher	40 mg	70 mg	100 mg	130 mg	180 mg	240 mg	300 mg	380 mg
Dose in milliliters (ml)	2 ml	3.5 ml	5 ml	6.5 ml	9 ml	12 ml	15 ml	19 ml

Key:  5ml = 1 tsp = 5cc

Products:

Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, Medipren, Ibuprofen Tabs

The following recommended dosing for children greater than 12 years:

200-400 mg/dose every 6-8 hours.