NICE guidance - use of paracetamol and ibuprofen for management of fever in child under 5 years old

Last reviewed 01/2018

• tepid sponging is not recommended for the treatment of fever
  
  
• children with fever should not be under dressed or over wrapped
  
  
• consider using either paracetamol or ibuprofen in children with fever who appear distressed
  
  
• do not use antipyretic agents with the sole aim of reducing body temperature in children with fever
  
  
• when using paracetamol or ibuprofen in children with fever:
  • continue only as long as the child appears distressed
  • consider changing to the other agent if the child's distress is not alleviated
  • do not give both agents simultaneously
  • only consider alternating these agents if the distress persists or recurs before the next dose is due
    
    
• antipyretic agents do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be used specifically for this purpose
  
  
• only consider alternating these agents if the distress persists or recurs before the next dose is due

For more details then consult full guidance (1).

Reference:

1. NICE (May 2012). Feverish illness in children Assessment and initial management in children younger than 5 years