How can you reduce a child's fever?

Fever-reducing medication inhibits the body’s production of substances that increase body temperature, such as prostaglandins. Medications that are appropriate for children include acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen. These are available in the form of suppositories or syrup and – for older children – tablets and soluble granules for fizzy (effervescent) or hot drinks. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the most commonly used medications for children with a fever.

The amount of acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen a child is allowed to take depends on their age and body weight. If the child is less than six months old, it's important to ask a doctor at first. When giving these medications, you need to wait at least 6 to 8 hours between doses as well. More detailed information can be found in the package insert. If you still have any questions, you can also ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen have similar side effects. But acetaminophen has a longer history of use in children, so more is known about its possible side effects, such as diarrhea and vomiting. At higher doses it can damage the liver and kidneys. That's why it's so important to use the right dose and also make sure you wait long enough before giving the next dose.

If the child takes acetaminophen or ibuprofen and still has a fever after about three days, it's generally a good idea to seek medical advice. This is also a good idea if the child has a fever of over 40°C (104°F) for more than four hours.

There isn't enough research to be able to say whether taking both acetaminophen and ibuprofen at the same time has any advantages. A few studies suggest that combining the two medications lowers fever more effectively than just taking one of them. Four hours after taking both medications, somewhat fewer children had a fever again or still had a fever.

But there's only little research on the possible side effects of this treatment approach. It is also thought that the risk of overdosing is higher if you use a combination of the two medications.

Sometimes people recommend taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen alternately. But there hasn't been enough good research to be able to assess the pros and cons of doing this.

Measures to cool the body from the outside – like wrapping the child's lower legs in wet towels or putting the child in a lukewarm bath – cool the surface of the body but don't reduce the fever.

Cold drinks, light clothing and light bedding can have a cooling effect too. You can also fan the child, dab them with a wet sponge or cloth, or open the window. It is important to always make sure the child feels comfortable, and that he or she isn't getting too cold. Children who have a high fever shouldn't be dressed too warmly either.