How long would you give Calpol/Nurofen for?

[wordsandmusic]

DD (aged 4) has had high temp for a week now - seen the GP a few times, they're fairly sure it's a virus. She is coughing, has a bit of a sore throat etc. GP has been advising us to dose her to the max with Nurofen and Calpol. But dd now has diarrhea and a very bloated tum and I'm fairly sure that her (already sensitive) tummy has had enough of the meds so haven't given her any today.

Took her to GP this afternoon and GP says she needs to see what she's like when she's on full dose of Calpol etc - ie to see if it brings the temp down. But I'm confused as to why.... NICE guidance seems to state not to give painkillers for the sole purpose of bringing down the temperature. Is there an issue with fever that doesn't respond to meds?

What is her temperature?

I wouldn't be doing max dosage unless child was in alot of pain

from what you describe I would stop giving her ibuprofen. it can be very harsh on the stomach and should only be given after a meal.

is she in pain or just tired with the fever?
if the latter I would just let her be without and let her body do it's job. plenty of fuids and plenty of rest.
hope she's better soon.

Was GP aware of NICE guidelines? what is temperature?

We don't use calpol or nurophen, fever is there to do a job and suppressing it can mean illness lasts longer - fluids, total rest (dim room and audio cds)

Thanks so much for your replies - and for confirming what I thought. I just saw the GP again this morning. DD's temperature is now normal (though she still has cough and diarrhea) but the GP is still saying give her the max dose of Calpol just to "keep her comfortable". This seems odd to me... she's not in any particular pain.

She also said I should feed her "sugar in any form - just to keep her energy levels up". Again, not sure this is the best way to sustain her energy.

I didn't point out the NICE guidelines to the GP - wasn't feeling up for that kind of confrontation - but might send a letter to the GP practice, questioning their Calpol policy....