Fever Reducer Dosing Made Simple

If you’ve ever stared at a bottle of liquid paracetamol and wondered, “How much is safe?”, you’re not alone. Fever reducers work best when you match the dose to the person’s weight and age, and keep the timing right. Below you’ll find the basics for the two most common fever reducers – paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen – plus quick tips to avoid common mistakes.

Key Dosage Guidelines for Kids

First, grab a reliable scale or check the child’s weight in kilograms. Most pediatric labels base the dose on weight, not age, because a five‑year‑old can weigh anywhere from 15 kg to 25 kg.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen)

• Standard dose: 15 mg per kilogram of body weight.
• Give every 4‑6 hours, but never exceed four doses in 24 hours.
• Typical liquid concentration: 120 mg per 5 ml (or 250 mg per 5 ml for some brands). Use the syringe that comes with the bottle for accuracy.

Example: A child weighing 20 kg needs 300 mg per dose. With a 120 mg/5 ml liquid, that’s 12.5 ml (just under 2  teaspoons). Round to the nearest 0.5 ml if you don’t have a precise syringe.

Ibuprofen

• Standard dose: 10 mg per kilogram.
• Give every 6‑8 hours, and limit to three doses a day for kids under 12.
• Common liquid: 100 mg per 5 ml.

Example: Same 20 kg child needs 200 mg per dose, which equals 10 ml of the 100 mg/5 ml suspension.

Always double‑check the label before you measure. Some products come in chewable tablets; the same weight‑based math applies, but you’ll need to split tablets accurately.

Adult Dosing and Safety Tips

Adults usually have a broader dose range because body weight varies less dramatically. The key is to stay within the maximum daily limit.

Paracetamol

• Standard dose: 500‑1000 mg every 4‑6 hours.
• Maximum: 4000 mg per day (four 1000 mg tablets).
• If you have liver issues or drink alcohol regularly, keep the daily total under 3000 mg.

Ibuprofen

• Standard dose: 200‑400 mg every 6‑8 hours.
• Maximum: 1200 mg per day for over‑the‑counter use (prescription can go higher under doctor supervision).
• Avoid if you have stomach ulcers, kidney problems, or are on blood thinners.

For both meds, use a proper measuring device – a kitchen spoon isn’t accurate enough. Keep a log of when you give each dose, especially if you’re caring for more than one person. That way you won’t accidentally double‑dose.

Remember these quick safety rules:

• Never mix two fever reducers unless a doctor says it’s okay.
• Don’t give aspirin to kids or teens with a fever – it can trigger Reye’s syndrome.
• If the fever stays above 39.5 °C (103 °F) after 24 hours of proper dosing, call a health professional.
• Store medicines out of reach of children and check expiration dates regularly.

With the right numbers in hand, you can calm a fever without worry. Keep this guide bookmarked, and you’ll always have the dosing facts at your fingertips.