Paracetamol vs ibuprofen for children
Last updated · Doses calculated with the same rules as our children's medicine dose calculator
Quick answer
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is 15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours, up to 5 doses a day, from 3 months. Ibuprofen is 10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours, up to 4 doses a day, from 6 months, with food. Both treat fever and pain; ibuprofen also eases inflammation but is avoided in dehydration, kidney problems and some asthma. Use one at a time and dose by weight.
Side by side
| Paracetamol (acetaminophen) | Ibuprofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Dose by weight | 15 mg per kg | 10 mg per kg |
| Most in one dose | 1000 mg | 400 mg |
| Time between doses | 4–6 hours | 6–8 hours |
| Most doses in 24 hours | 5 | 4 |
| 24-hour limit | 75 mg/kg, never over 4 g | 40 mg/kg, never over 1.2 g |
| Youngest age at home | 3 months (under 12 weeks with fever: see a doctor) | 6 months |
| Take with food | Not needed | Yes, with food or milk |
| Avoid if | Liver disease; other medicines containing paracetamol | Dehydration, repeated vomiting, kidney problems, asthma worsened by ibuprofen, chickenpox |
Single dose by weight (Indian syrups)
For children 6 months and older. Paracetamol syrup 120 mg/5 mL and ibuprofen suspension 100 mg/5 mL; volumes are rounded down to what you can measure. Check the strength on your bottle — drops and "forte" syrups are stronger. Use the calculator for other strengths.
| Weight | Paracetamol 120 mg/5 mL | Ibuprofen 100 mg/5 mL |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kg | 3.7 mL (89 mg) | 3 mL (60 mg) |
| 8 kg | 5 mL (120 mg) | 4 mL (80 mg) |
| 10 kg | 6 mL (144 mg) | 5 mL (100 mg) |
| 12 kg | 7.5 mL (180 mg) | 6 mL (120 mg) |
| 14 kg | 8.5 mL (204 mg) | 7 mL (140 mg) |
| 16 kg | 10 mL (240 mg) | 8 mL (160 mg) |
| 18 kg | 11 mL (264 mg) | 9 mL (180 mg) |
| 20 kg | 12.5 mL (300 mg) | 10 mL (200 mg) |
| 25 kg | 15.5 mL (372 mg) | 12.5 mL (250 mg) |
| 30 kg | 18.5 mL (444 mg) | 15 mL (300 mg) |
| 35 kg | 21.5 mL (516 mg) | 17.5 mL (350 mg) |
| 40 kg | 25 mL (600 mg) | 20 mL (400 mg) |
Questions parents ask
Which is better for a child's fever, paracetamol or ibuprofen?
Both work well for fever and pain in children over 6 months. Paracetamol can be used from 3 months (under 12 weeks, see a doctor), ibuprofen from 6 months. Choose one, give the right dose for your child's weight, and only consider the other if your child is still distressed before the next dose is due.
Can I give paracetamol and ibuprofen together or alternate them?
Don't give both routinely. If your child is still distressed before the next dose of the first medicine is due, you can try the other — but ask your doctor or pharmacist first, and keep a written note of every dose and time so you never go over either 24-hour limit.
Should I dose by age or weight?
By weight. Age bands on the bottle are a rough guide; weight-based doses are more accurate, especially for small or large children.
Get medical help urgently if your child
- Is under 12 weeks old with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
- Is struggling to breathe, very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake
- Has a fit (seizure), or signs of dehydration such as very few wet nappies
- Has had a fever for more than 5 days
General information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 112 (India) or 911 (US).