Fever is the body’s response to various illnesses (usually infections). Temperatures 100.5*F (38.1*C) or above are considered fevers. When reporting fevers, be able to tell the nurse how many hours your child has had a fever. We recommend a cheap digital thermometer as most accurate and consistent means to check core body temperature.
How to take a temperature…
The most accurate temperature for all infants (under 3 months old) is a rectal temperature.
Taking a Rectal temperature: You may lubricate the end of a digital thermometer. Place about a half inch into rectum until thermometer keeps.
Taking an Oral temperature: This method should only be used if your child can hold the thermometer in the mouth with the mouth closed. Be sure that your child has not recently had anything hot or cold to drink.
Place the thermometer tip under the tongue and close the mouth.
Taking an Axillary temperature (armpit): Place the tip of the thermometer in the armpit, and close the armpit by holding the elbow against the chest.
Automated ear thermometer: Ear thermometers are not recommended due to errors with accuracy and inconsistency.
During office hours if:
Immediately if:
The object of treating children when they have a fever is to try to make them comfortable. The fever itself does no harm. Dress the child in a way that makes them comfortable. If they are flushed, hot and sweaty, they should wear less. If they are cold and shivery, they should wear more. Infants should not be bundled when they have a fever.
Medications are given for comfort
Acetaminophen Dosage Chart Since 2012, acetaminophen liquid has only one strength
Acetaminophen (Tylenol or another brand)
Give every 4-6 hours as needed. (Also available in suppositories; use the same number of mg.)
*Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Weight in pounds (lbs.) |
Elixir 1 teaspoon = 160mg/5ml |
Chewable 1 tablet = 80 mg |
Jr. Strength 1 caplet = 160 mg |
Reg. Strength 1 tablet = 325 mg |
6-11 lbs. |
¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) |
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|
12-17 lbs. |
½ teaspoon (2.5ml) |
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|
18-23 lbs. |
¾ teaspoon (3.75 ml) |
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|
24-35 lbs. |
1 teaspoon (5 ml) |
2 tablets |
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|
36-47 lbs |
1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) |
3 tablets |
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|
48-59 lbs. |
2 teaspoons (10 ml) |
4 tablets |
2 caplets |
1 tablet |
60-71 lbs |
2 ½ teaspoons (12.5 ml) |
5 tablets |
2 ½ caplets |
1 tablet |
72-95 lbs |
3 teaspoons (15 ml) |
6 tablets |
3 caplets |
1 ½ tablets |
96+ lbs. |
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4 caplets |
2 tablets |
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or another brand.)
Give every 6 to 8 hours as need: always with food. Other strengths available by prescription.
*Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Weight in pounds (lbs.) |
Dose |
Liquid 1 teaspoon = 100 mg/5ml |
Chewable Tablets 1 tablet = 100 mg |
Tablets 1 tablet = 200 mg |
11-21 lbs. |
50 mg |
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) |
½ tablet |
|
22-32 lbs. |
100 mg |
1 teaspoon (5 ml) |
1 tablet |
|
33-43 lbs. |
150 mg |
1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) |
1 ½ tablet |
|
44-54 lbs. |
200 mg |
2 teaspoons (10 ml) |
2 tablets |
1 tablet |
55-65 lbs. |
250 mg |
2 ½ teaspoons (12.5 ml) |
2 ½ tablets |
|
66-87 lbs. |
300 mg |
3 teaspoons (15 ml) |
3 tablets |
1 ½ tablets |
88+ lbs. |
400mg |
4 teaspoons (20 ml) |
4 tablets |
2 tablets |
Additional Information:
phone: (616) 243-9515
FAX: (616) 243-1815
after hours: (616) 776-7401
or contact us via the Patient Portal
Alger Pediatrics
733 Alger St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507