Help- getting Nurofen into toddler temp 39.0

[MorningSicknessIsHell]

Hey all,

My daughter 3yro has been coughing all day, and vomiting. She hates taking oral medications, we've tried giving it to her but she cries and spits it all out.

We haven't done a Covid test yet but that has crossed my mind.

Any tricks on getting her to take it?
I've tried sprinkles, just doing it, but she's very upset.

Wise Mumsnetters tell me your tricks!

For a high temperature I’d be more inclined to give paracetamol.

Most child medication comes in liquid form do you have a syringe type applicator for it?

@BlueThursday Yep I've got the syringes and applicator for the medications. She just spits it all out, even if I try to do it little by little

Syringe to the side of the cheek

Why not Calpol? If she is vomiting it’s pointless.

You take it, she will want it and then let her do it herself (if she can). Obviously you make a huge fuss about how delicious /special it is. Be a little reluctant to share your special medicine.

Also ‘sick’ stuffed toys. Which need to be discovered, treated, possibly even a plaster/ bandage, bed and medication may take some time! Good luck

Hide it in some yoghurt?

Paracetamol suppository.

Yes I’d agree make it desirable, put it in a special cup or something

Not fun I know if she’s Ill

As a previous poster suggested, I hide it in some yogurt 😩

😩 was a typo 🤦🏼‍♀️

If she won't take it, don't force it. There is no reason to use antipyretics (ibuprofen or paracetamol) for a simple fever (unless the child is under 1 or has cardiac/renal impairment/other significant condition)

NICE guidelines for fever management:

Antipyretic interventions
Effects of body temperature reduction
1.6.1 Antipyretic agents do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be used
specifically for this purpose. [2007]

Drug interventions to reduce body temperature

1.6.5 Do not use antipyretic agents with the sole aim of reducing body temperature in
children with fever. [2013]

@willingtolearn Interesting, thank you. We spoke to 111, and then a paramedic who still recommended Paracetamol / Ibuprofen so that's why.

@DistrictCommissioner Do you get those from the pharmacy?

Thanks everyone, I will try the yogurt suggestions! I've tried pretending her favourite teddy is sick...she's too wise!

Buy suppositories. Much much easier

It’s a few years now, but yes you can buy the suppositories over the counter or get them on prescription. They are much more expensive to buy though.

@willingtolearn

If she won't take it, don't force it. There is no reason to use antipyretics (ibuprofen or paracetamol) for a simple fever (unless the child is under 1 or has cardiac/renal impairment/other significant condition)

NICE guidelines for fever management:

Antipyretic interventions
Effects of body temperature reduction
1.6.1 Antipyretic agents do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be used
specifically for this purpose. [2007]

Drug interventions to reduce body temperature

1.6.5 Do not use antipyretic agents with the sole aim of reducing body temperature in
children with fever. [2013]

This is fascinating. My daughter has always refused Calpol and I have been guilted by nurses at my GP practice for not forcing her into having any. Huh.