What to Give for a Fever While on Antibiotics

Updated on April 13, 2015
R.M. asks from Evanston, IL
11 answers

My 9 y/o daughter is on augmentin for a possible sinus infection. She has had fever, cough, sniffle and headache. I gave her Motrin for her headache and fever (in the 102 range) 2 times in the last 2 days and when it kicks in she feels so much better… I know that the fever is "helping" fight the infection but it is making her miserable and she can't even sleep. However, she has a sensitive tummy already and now that she is on augmentin (h*** o* stomach also) I am afraid to give her Motrin. The abx already made her feel a little queasy despite being taken with food. Should I try tylenol? She feels awful since the last dose of Motrin I gave her wore off about 4 hours ago and her fever spiked back up.I have her on probiotics. Any advice to make her a little more comfortable?

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R.A.

answers from Boston on

I'd give her Tylenol. You also could call her physician or pharmacist to see what pain/fever med to give her with Augmentin.

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M.G.

answers from Portland on

Sinus infections (or Sinusitis) can make kids have tummy aches (it's a symptom) so it might not be from the meds at all (although that might not be helping).

Alternating doses of Motrin and Tylenol is what we've always been told by ENT, pediatrician and pharmacists (just make sure to spread it out and not overdose each one). That way the kids are in the least amount of discomfort.

Best to check if you're concerned about giving meds/reactions. Pharmacist should be able to help you if you can't reach doctor.

Good luck and hope she has a speedy recovery :)

For facial pain (tenderness) - warm facecloth sometimes helps too.

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T.F.

answers from Dallas on

My first move would be to call the nurse on call to run things by her.

I have given Motrin and Tylenol ( alternate the doses) per my Dr advice. I'd also be sure to have her eat yogurt, probiotic, etc to hopefully keep from having a yeast infection.

I hope your little one feels better soon. Antibiotics tend to kick in pretty fast so if she's still miserable, you might think twice about the diagnosis if she's not getting better in 24-36 hours.

Best wishes!

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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

If the fever is making her miserable, I would alternate Tylenol and Advil for a day, making sure one of the medications is in her system at all times. I would also have her eat at least a couple plain crackers with every medicine she takes.

Hope she feels better soon.

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T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I would call her doctor's after hours nurseline and ask them for advice.

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M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

My oldest had febrile seizures when she was younger and the neurologists she saw at Children's told us to alternate Tylenol and Motrin. When our kids fevers aren't controlled with just Motrin now we alternate. Every 4 hours for Tylenol and every 6 hours for Motrin. So sometimes medicine is every two hours, or both at once. But that is the advice and direction we were given from highly trained medical doctors in pediatrics.

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Tylenol and Motrin...no reason to not give them meds for the fever at all.

Read the labels closely to see what the med in that is in that bottle. Tylenol is made from Acetaminophen. Motrin is made of Ibuprofen. There are a LOT LOT LOT of medications that have one or the other in them.

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From the following site

"we only recommend using them in tandem for persistently high fevers or discomfort. In these situations, you can alternate the medications using each type every 6 hours, but alternating every 3 hours."

"For example, Acetaminophen at 12 noon, Ibuprofen at 3 pm, Acetaminophen at 6 pm, Ibuprofen at 9 pm." (For high fever only)

http://villagepediatrics.com/tylenol-and-motrin-doses

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Ibuprofen

(MOTRIN, ADVIL, PEDIACARE FEVER)

Ibuprofen usually starts taking effect within 30 minutes and should last at least six hours.

WHAT IT’S USED FOR

Ibuprofen has three actions: it reduces fever, relieves pain and fights inflammation. Typical uses are: teething, earaches, sunburn, fevers, headaches and sore muscles.

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/childhoo...

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"because you can't give her ibuprofen again for six to eight hours after the first dose, it may be helpful to try a new tack. If the acetaminophen does the trick, your child won't need any medication at all for another six to eight hours."

http://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-switch-back-a...

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Please read this section carefully.

"When to Alternate Tylenol and Motrin"

http://www.newhealthguide.org/Alternating-Tylenol-And-Mot...

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Weights and dosages for all size children. Good chart to have on hand.

"Acetaminophen is dosed every 4 hours. Ibuprofen is dosed every 6 hours. "

"Avoid drugs that combine acetaminophen with cold medicines such as antihistamines or decongestants in one bottle, since it is confusing to dose these combination drugs and you may be treating with more drugs than you need."

That is why YOU need to read the labels of what you're giving your child.

http://www.pediatriccareassociates.com/TreatingFever.html

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Children can die from overdoses of these meds so YOU must be aware of what you're giving them and how often and if it's in anything else they're taking.

"Researchers say acetaminophen is the most common single ingredient involved in emergency room visits for medication overdoses in children. "

http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20110228/new-advice-fi...

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

Yes to Tylenol or generic acetaminophen if the Motrin/ibuprofen is upsetting her stomach. The antibiotics can upset the tummy, and so can all that mucus that's probably dripping down into her stomach via post nasal drip. You're right that a light fever is okay, but a sinus infection can cause such pressure in the front of the face and really give the poor kid a massive headache. And you're right that she needs to sleep. You can alternate the 2 meds, and if you can give liquid, the sensitive tummy doesn't have to digest the pill or capsule. I would definitely give tylenol before she lies down to sleep, and I would consider elevating the head of her bed to lessen the pressure on her sinuses. If 2 pillows is uncomfortable for her, fold a blanket or some beach towels and put them under the mattress to elevate the whole end from her waist up.

Good luck! Poor kid!

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E.T.

answers from Rochester on

I had a raging fever for close to 80 hours right after Christmas because of strep throat. I was taking penicillin. My husband, a pharmacist, gave my Tylenol. He tried to alternate it with ibuprofen, but that made me vomit. The Tylenol never broke my fever but it made it a little more tolerable. It got a lot better after 24 hours of antibiotic.

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S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

My kids use both Tylenol and Advil.

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J.M.

answers from San Francisco on

If you haven't already, I'd call your pediatrician's office and ask them. I agree with switching to Tylenol, and if that doesn't help, alternating them. Our pediatrician has recommended alternating them in the past. And yes, push the probiotics, they can really help!

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