Here in the pharmacy we often see children and babies whose temperatures are spiking either due to an infection ,teething or a viral infection and are often asked how to treat it.
There are two main products available without prescription to do this
1. Paracetamol (calpol,paralink,Dozol all contain this ingredient )
2. Ibuprofen (nurofen,brufen )
These two products come in either liquid or suppository formulations and can be used on babies and children from 3 months of age(and from 2 months if recommended by a doctor)
The main difference between them is that paracetamol lasts for a shorter period in the body.Nurofen is a little harder on the tummy and unsuitable for children who are asthmatic .
These products can be taken together so if a parent is finding it difficult to control temperature with just one product we recommend they use both ie give paracetamol containing product and four hours later give ibuprofen containing product.
If your baby or child is vomiting or you find it very difficult to get them to take oral medicines ,suppositories are the best way of ensuring that they have taken the full dose of medicine.Both paracetamol and ibuprofen are available in this formate.
Pop into the pharmacy and ask us if you wish to discuss any of the above points.