Q: The hospital prescribed 9cc of a fever reducer, but an app recommends 12cc. Which dosage should I give my 7-year-old?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- Jul 6
- 2 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:
My 7-year-old child weighs 29 kg. The hospital prescribed 9cc of a fever reducer, but a dosage app recommends giving 12cc. I am confused about which dosage I should follow. What do you recommend?
Answer:
It is completely understandable to feel confused by the differing dosage recommendations for your 7-year-old (29 kg).
The difference between the hospital's prescription (9cc) and the app's calculation (12cc) is likely due to the medical standards they are using:
• Hospital: A more conservative starting dose (based on 10mg/kg).
• App: The maximum recommended dose (based on 15mg/kg).
The exact right amount depends on the specific active ingredient (e.g., Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen) and the concentration of the syrup. Generally, for a 29 kg child:
• Acetaminophen (32mg/ml concentration): The safe range is typically 9 ml to 13.5 ml.
• Ibuprofen (20mg/ml concentration): The safe range is typically 7.5 ml to 14.5 ml.
Recommendations:
• It is best to start with the hospital's prescribed conservative dose of 9cc.
• If the fever does not drop after an hour and your child is still struggling, the dosage can be safely increased toward the app's recommendation.
• For the next dose, you may adjust to a middle ground, such as 10-11cc, if the initial 9cc was not fully effective.
⚠️ Important Reminders (Maximum Daily Frequency):
Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol): Administer every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum of 5 times a day.
Ibuprofen: Administer every 6-8 hours, up to a maximum of 4 times a day.
Follow the hospital's prescription first, and if the effect is insufficient, you can safely and gradually increase the amount within the recommended ranges. If you are unsure about the specific concentration of the medicine you have at home, or if your child's fever persists despite medication, please consult your pediatrician or a local pharmacist for an accurate, in-person evaluation.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
