Q: I gave my 17.4kg child a slightly lower dose of Dexibuprofen and the fever isn't dropping. Can I cross-mix with Acetaminophen and restart Dexibuprofen later?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
I accidentally gave my child a slightly lower dose of fever reducer than recommended for their weight. My child weighs 17.4 kg, and I gave 7 ml of Dexibuprofen twice, but the fever isn't dropping. I started giving the medicine at 4 AM today, and we are almost reaching the daily maximum limit for Dexibuprofen. I am planning to alternate and give Acetaminophen next. If the fever still doesn't drop after 4 hours, can I start giving Dexibuprofen again at 4-6 hour intervals?
Answer:
You have done a great job managing your child's fever since early this morning.
Current Situation Analysis:
For a 17.4 kg child, the recommended dose of Dexibuprofen is 87–122 mg per dose (approximately 7.3–10.2 mL). While the 7 mL you administered is slightly lower than the optimal range, it is still within a safe margin. The fact that the fever is not dropping is highly likely due to the intensity of the viral infection itself, rather than the slightly reduced dosage.
What You Can Do Now:
✅ You can alternate with Acetaminophen
For a 17.4 kg child, the appropriate Acetaminophen dose is 174–261 mg per dose. This equals 5.4–8.2 mL (based on a standard 160 mg/5 mL concentration).
Leave a minimum interval of 2–3 hours between the Dexibuprofen and the Acetaminophen.
Make sure to maintain the individual dosing intervals for each specific drug: 6–8 hours for Dexibuprofen and 4–6 hours for Acetaminophen.
⚠️ If the fever doesn't drop after 4 hours:
If you have already reached the daily maximum dosage for Dexibuprofen (approximately 28 mg/kg = 487 mg, which is about 40 mL total), you must stop Dexibuprofen and only continue using Acetaminophen.
If you have not yet reached the daily maximum limit, you can re-administer Dexibuprofen at its required 6–8 hour interval. However, alternating medications can sometimes cause confusion with dosing limits, so it is generally safer to stick to one medication consistently if possible.
When to Visit Urgent Care or the ER:
Please seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following signs:
Shortness of breath or the skin under the ribs pulling in with each breath (retractions).
No urine output for 8 hours or more.
Severe lethargy, floppiness, or an inability to make eye contact.
A fever that persists for more than 3 days or worsens.
If you remain concerned about your child's condition, please contact your pediatrician for advice, or visit a local urgent care clinic if it is after hours or the weekend.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
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