Q: My child's temperature dropped to 35°C with cold sweats. They also take propranolol for a hemangioma. What should I do?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
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:
Yesterday, my child's temperature dropped to the 34°C (93.2°F) range after taking a fever reducer, but it returned to normal by the morning. Today, I gave them some prescribed cold medicine (the doctor mentioned it does not contain a fever reducer). As my child fell asleep, they started sweating profusely, and their temperature dropped to 35°C (95°F) again. I have been holding them and covering them with blankets for over an hour, but their temperature isn't going up, and the cold sweats are continuing. My baby is currently taking Indenol (propranolol) for a hemangioma. What should I do?
Answer:
It is completely understandable that you are worried about this situation.
[Immediate Actions to Take]
• Remove any sweat-soaked clothing and dress your child in dry clothes.
• Keep the room temperature comfortably warm (22–24°C or 71–75°F), but avoid wrapping the child in too many heavy blankets.
• If the child is awake and able to swallow, frequently offer small amounts of warm water, breast milk, or formula.
• Recheck their temperature every 10 to 15 minutes (preferably using an armpit thermometer).
[When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention]
If any of the following apply, contact the prescribing hospital immediately, or visit the emergency room if it is after hours:
• The body temperature remains at or below 35°C (95°F) for more than 1 hour.
• The child becomes unusually lethargic, limp, or difficult to wake up.
• Their lips, hands, or feet turn pale or bluish.
• The cold sweats continue alongside fast or irregular breathing.
• Urine output decreases significantly (e.g., a dry diaper for 6–8 hours).
[Precautions Regarding Propranolol (Indenol)]
Because your child is taking propranolol for a hemangioma, it is important to know that hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hypothermia are rare but reported side effects of this medication. The risk for these side effects can increase significantly when a child skips meals or is fighting off an infection (like a cold):
• Verify that the medication was given exactly according to the prescribed schedule and feeding intervals.
• If your child's food, breast milk, or formula intake was lower than usual today due to their cold, this is an important detail to share with a doctor.
• If you suspect symptoms of hypoglycemia—which include cold sweats, paleness, and severe lethargy—an immediate medical evaluation is necessary.
Please contact your prescribing doctor or clinic right away and inform them that your child is experiencing a persistent low body temperature and cold sweats while on propranolol. If your regular clinic is closed, please take your child to the nearest emergency room for an in-person evaluation. Be sure to bring the child's medication list and a record of their temperatures from today with you.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
