Q: My child has chickenpox and acetaminophen isn't lowering the fever. Can I alternate with ibuprofen?
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:
My child has chickenpox and is running a fever. I gave them acetaminophen, but the temperature isn't coming down. Can I alternate with ibuprofen (such as Advil, Motrin, or Brufen) to help reduce the fever?
Answer:
Managing a fever caused by chickenpox can be stressful, especially when acetaminophen does not seem to bring the temperature down as quickly as you would like.
However, you should strictly avoid giving ibuprofen (or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs) to a child with chickenpox.
Using ibuprofen during a chickenpox infection has been linked to an increased risk of severe secondary bacterial skin infections, including serious complications like necrotizing fasciitis. Therefore, medical guidelines advise avoiding ibuprofen whenever chickenpox is present or suspected.
Here is what you can do to safely manage your child's fever and keep them comfortable:
Double-check the acetaminophen dosage: Ensure your child is receiving the correct dose based on their current weight (typically 10–15 mg per kilogram of body weight, given every 4 to 6 hours, without exceeding maximum daily limits).
Focus on hydration: Offer frequent sips of cool water, oral rehydration solutions, or diluted juices to prevent dehydration.
Keep the environment comfortable: Dress your child in light, breathable clothing and maintain a comfortable room temperature (around 24–26°C or 75–78°F).
Soothe skin discomfort: Use calamine lotion or cool compresses on itchy blisters. Relieving itchiness and agitation can help your child rest better.
Remember that a fever is a natural immune response to help fight off the virus, and chickenpox fevers commonly last between 3 to 5 days (sometimes up to a week). If your child is unable to keep fluids down, appears excessively lethargic, has difficulty breathing, or if the skin blisters become increasingly red, warm, swollen, or painful, seek immediate medical attention from a pediatrician.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
