My 4 yr old child has been having a very high fever. i would like to alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen. how far apart should they be taken?

Every 2-3 hours: There is little evidence that alternating Ibuprofen and tylenol (acetaminophen) is helpful and i don't recommend it. If you do, each drug should be given at its recommended interval. You don't want the level of the drug to fall too low before the next dose. Remember, tepid baths work very well. Keep in mind that fever helps fight infection. Fever should be reduced for comfort, not just because it is high.

Busy work: When a kids fever is not responding to either Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen separately it is unlikely to do so if you alternate them.It does give you something to do, but i don't advise the pattern & i never wake a kid for either med. Concentrate of fluid needs & make the dpc aware of the illness. More kids are hospitalized for dehydration than fever.

Not recommended: There is no good evidence that alternating Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen help with high fevers better than just using the appropriate dose of one. When you have two meds, two dosages, tired parents and sick children, you are more likely to make a mistake and give an overdose! fever is not usually dangerous but overdosing can be! help your child be more comfortable with the right dose of 1 med.