To ask can I give my five year old ibuprofen when he’s had paracetamol 3 hours ago?

[emma2939]

Sorry nhs 111 says very busy at mo, LO battling nasty cough and had paracetamol at half 12, gone very hot and thermometer saying he has a fever can I give a dose of ibuprofen? X

[bumblebee39]

Always been told to do this with DCs

Give paracetamol of that doesn't work ibuprofen (as others have said not on an empty stomach)

[Oysterbabe]

I alternate them every couple of hours when one of mine is poorly, not exceeding daily dose obv.

[CuriousaboutSamphire]

Don't keep switching between doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen unless advised to by a healthcare professional.

[MrMeSeeks]

They can have both but dont give it on an empty stomach

[needsahouseboy]

Ibuprofen every 8 hours three times a day. Paracetamol every 4 hours. Yes you can give them together and did it frequently when working in A and E

[emma2939]

Great thank u!!

[redsky21]

That NHS link also says

If you give them one of these medicines and they're still distressed before the next dose is due, you could try the other medicine instead.

Its fine OP.

[confusedandemployed]

GP told me categorically to alternate ibu and paracetamol when DD was particularly poorly when she was only 1.

[PurestGreen]

Curious that means don't give them literally at the same time, as in one after the other. The next paragraph says that if the child needs it you can give a dose of the alternative medicine before the first one is due.

[emma2939]

Oh right, thanks curious will ring nhs then n see what they say

[emma2939]

Thanks all, he’s had a febrile seizure in the past so fevers terrify me now!!

[CuriousaboutSamphire]

Sorry, I didn't finish typing that (incredibly short) sentence... not unless you have been told it is OK, by a health professional

[CuriousaboutSamphire]

NHS says no! For adults yes, but not for children

www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/childrens-health/can-i-give-my-child-paracetamol-and-ibuprofen-at-the-same-time/

[Lazypuppy]

Yes. You can give both throughout the day as long as you don't exceed dosages of each.

Same as adults

[flumpybear]

Yes - but make sure it's not in an empty stomach

For reference paracetamol every 4 hours max 4 doses a day

Ibuprofen every 4 hours max 3
Times a day but not on empty stomach

I often give/ take paracetamol first then brufen a few hours later but you can take together I'd needed