Tylenol vs Motrin for a kid's fever?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Both work, both are safe dosed by weight: acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours from birth, gentler on the stomach; ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours from 3 months, lasting a bit longer - but avoid ibuprofen in a dehydrated child. The NHS says give either for a distressed, uncomfortable child - you treat the misery, not the number. On alternating doses: thin evidence, double the dosing-error risk, and guidance discourages it - pick one and dose it right. The error that actually hurts kids is measuring: dose by current weight with the syringe in the box, per the FDA - a kitchen spoon is not a measuring device.
What to do
- Pick one and dose by weight. Current weight, the box syringe, the label schedule.
- Treat distress, not the number. A comfortable child at 38.5C needs no medicine.
- Skip ibuprofen when dehydrated. Kidney caution; acetaminophen carries that day.
- Avoid routine alternating. The error risk outruns the benefit.
Related questions
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