Parents! Have you ever heard of this? *update pg.2*

[CRB#33]

.

 

[snoopy]

I remember when my kids were babies the protocol at that time was to switch back and forth from motrin to tylenol. Why that was I'm not clear, I just did what they told me to do and it always seemed to work in keeping their fever in check.

 

[mickeyboat]

I have never heard of this before.

Denae

 

[cgcw]

I've never heard of this.

Our pediatrician recommends a "Cocktail" when our kids are sick with a high fever. Alternating Motrin and Tylenol every 3 hours to keep the fever under control.

How could a medicine prolong an illness?

I hope he feels better soon.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Maybe it is because a fever is a sign that your body is fighting the infection. A fever (not too high) is actually a good thing and what your body needs to help heal it.

 

[HaleyB]

You can give Acetaminophen (Tylonol) and Ibuprofin at the same time, although many people like to switch off every two hours. I do this on a daily basis.

I didn't read the other thread yet, but if your son has a high (above 102) temp. is he also having other flu like symptoms? Pain anywhere? Maybe I should read that other thread...

 

[CajunDixie]

Our Dr has always told us to alternate meds with each illness....Tylenol and ibuprofen. Some people build up a tolerance when using the same meds over and over.

 

[CRB#33]

.

 

[HaleyB]

Okay I just read the other thread's first post. Don't ask if he should be seen, just tell them you will be bringing him in. That is what I would do. Anti viral drugs are not effective after the first 24-48 hours.

 

[Blondie]

I've never heard that either. Maybe the doctor meant to say that it was masking the symptoms, by bringing the fever down?

Strange.

 

[missyc]

Motrin is VERY hard on the liver. It shouldn't be used unless there is severe pain that tylenol isn't enough for. Or if the fever is very high and, again, if tylenol won't keep it down. Over use of either is a bad thing. I used to use Motrin more than anything until the Dr and I talked about it in more detail. I now use Tylenol unless fever is up around 102 or so. When they're sick I use Motrin before bed since it lasts longer.
Also, I was told that it's ONLY ok to alternate every 3 hours if the fever is super high and you can't keep it down w/only 1 med and the bath. If it's that bad the Dr. should know anyway and would probably need to see the child.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Advil is really hard on your system. That's all I can figure out.

 

[floridafam]

I've never heard of it, either.


When my children had the flu a few months ago, the doctor said she was glad I brought them as the medicine they needed had to be started in the first 48 hours of symptoms. They took amatadine (sp?)

Their fevers were over 104 at times, though.

 

[4nana]

For heaven's sake - what's this - the newest ped. revelation?


Any nurses on board?? Granted, I am no dr., but have been nursing kiddies a long time. Have never heard that Motrin can prolong illness?!

Like most here, our peds recommend tylenol, etc. for fever ~ motrin, etc. for all the aches and pains every 3 hrs. Combination seems to make life bearable when the little ones are down and out. Sure hope your son is better soon. Illnesses are no fun and worries us all.

Best wishes,
~ Sandie

 

[CEDmom]

I never heard this either. I usually give DD tylenol during the day with a fever. I save the motrin for night so she will sleep well.

 

[maps]

motrin--metabolized by the kidneys, lasts 6- 8 hrs, works the best for temps over 102, can upset tummies, good for aches

tylenol--metabolized by the liver, lasts 3-4hrs, works best for temps under 102

due to the differences in the meds, you can alternate the two if nec to keep high temps down.

yes, fevers are the body's way of fighting infections but they also make you feel blah. so the meds just alleviate the symptoms. i've never heard it prolonging an illness

contrary to most people's fears, high fevers do not always cause febrile seizures.

 

[CRB#33]

.

 

[Christine]

I've been told by some doctors to "ease off giving the Motrin or Tylenol" unless the kids are REALLY uncomfortable. They say a mid-range fever is your friend! The doctor was probably thinking that if you let the fever go a bit it may work better against the virus.

 

[goofy4tink]

Of my three children, I have one who spikes a temp incredibly fast. She can go from normal to about 104 in minutes!!! My son, on the other hand, has had a fever 3 times in his 30 yrs!!! When he has a fever, you know something is really wrong. My third child, 10, gets pretty good temps going too. Now, I only give her a fever reducing med at night or if it is so high that she just doesn't function. If her fever is 102, then she needs to be in bed, resting. If I medicate that fever, she's feeling better and not resting. I tend to let nature takes it's course. Our pedi has told us that you can give ibu every 6 hrs and then give tylenol every 4 hrs. They can be given at the same time since they work differently. But, I've only done this once, and that was with my temp spiking dd, 27 now. She went to 103.8 and we had to get it down before she fried her pea brain. (of course, in hindsight, that temp could explain some not so good life choices she has made!!)

 

[Dan Murphy]

What a bummer, CRB. That would make us disappointed too. Hope the new one is better, and more importantly, hope your boy is feeling better soon. Easter wishes to you and all your family.

Dan