Paracetamol and nurofen together

[DookofBust]

DD (13) has come home from school feeling poorly with a 39.6 degree temp which dropped to 38 after one paracetamol at 6pm but is now back to 39.6.

I have got some children's nurofen and have just googled alternating them but the NHS site seems to say not without a health care provider's advice. I used to do this (DD always gets really high temps when ill) but couldn't quite remember the guidance, hence googling.

Have things changed?

I do it (advises by daughter’s consultant)- dose of cal poly, 2 hours later nurofen, then repeat but keep track that you aren’t given more than the allowed doses in a 24 hour period

I recently took my little one to the walk in clinic and was told off my the doctor for not alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen. I said I hadn't because it says not to on the nhs website unless told to by a doctor. She said I should have done it anyway.... so I would!

i've always done the same thing of alternating. not heard anything to the contrary before.

although i get the impression they're becoming less keen on ibuprofen full-stop, always quoted the potential stomach effects.

I asked a Dr about this when DS was in hospital and the Drs were alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen to keep his temp down. He said that the reason they don't advise it is that it can mask conditions that are causing a big rise in temperature.

Thanks everyone, I will carry on then and hope DD’s temperature drops overnight - now 39.9 (but she seems bright enough in herself).

I reckon it’s the latest cold like virus. Ill all day but didn’t go to the nurse because she never sends you home Mum’ ... well I think she might have done today!

NHS says dont give a dose of each at the exactly same time but if one is not working you can try using the other one.

They are two different drugs and work off different receptions so perfectly safe once you don't exceed the max dose in a 24 hour period

I've always done both but left 2 hours in between. When my son was in hospital aged 14 months they gave him both and double dosed him on paracetamol as they can also do that.