Remember that fever is helping your child fight infection, so use fever medications only if the fever is in the moderate range (over 102°F) and your child is uncomfortable. In general, fever medications are overused, and, as with all medications, there is a risk of dangerous side effects from giving them too frequently. Simply undressing the child and offering a cool drink can reduce mild fevers. If fever medications are to be used, be sure to give the correct dosage for your child's weight and within the appropriate time interval. The table included in this brochure provides all the information you will need about medication dosing.

Fever medications usually work within about an hour after they are given and will reduce a fever by 1.5 to 2°F. Don't expect the medication to bring the temperature down to normal unless the fever was low-grade to begin with. Repeated doses may be needed to manage fever fluctuations as the illness runs its course, which may take several days. If your child is sleeping comfortably, it is not necessary to awaken him to administer a fever medication. If the fever is high enough to require medicine, your child will usually awaken on his own.

Remember that the response, or lack of response, of the fever to fever medication tells us little about the severity of the infection that caused it. If your child is smiling, playing, and drinking adequate fluids, you usually do not need to worry about the fever.