Dose protocols at a glance
| Medicine | Per dose | Interval | Max/day | With food? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol (Calpol) | 15 mg/kg | Every 4 h | 4 doses (60 mg/kg) | Either |
| Ibuprofen (Brufen) | 5–10 mg/kg | Every 6 h | 4 doses (30 mg/kg) | Always with food |
When to call a doctor
- Any infant under 3 months with fever — see a doctor straight away (don't dose at home)
- Drowsy, hard-to-wake, or very irritable child
- Stiff neck, non-blanching rash, or seizure with fever
- Difficulty breathing or persistent fast breathing
- Refusing fluids for >8 hours, no wet nappies for 8+ hours
- Fever lasting more than 5 days
- Symptoms that worsen on day 3–6 (consider dengue or typhoid in season)
See our child fever guide, dengue page, and typhoid page for season-specific advice.
FAQ
What dose of Calpol should I give my child?
Standard paracetamol (Calpol) dose for healthy children is 15 mg per kg of weight per dose, every 4 hours, up to 4 doses in 24 hours. For a 12 kg child with Calpol 120 mg/5 ml, that's 7.5 ml every 4 hours — maximum 4 doses (30 ml) per 24 hours. Always use the syringe or spoon supplied with the bottle.
What dose of Brufen syrup should I give?
Standard ibuprofen (Brufen) dose for children is 5–10 mg per kg per dose, every 6 hours, up to 4 doses in 24 hours. For a 20 kg child with Brufen 100 mg/5 ml, around 10 ml every 6 hours. Always give with food or after milk to protect the stomach.
Can I give Calpol and Brufen together?
Yes — paracetamol and ibuprofen can be alternated for fever or pain not controlled by one alone. A common pattern is paracetamol every 4–6 hours AND ibuprofen every 6–8 hours, with each on its own schedule. Don't exceed the maximum daily dose of either. Discuss with your paediatrician for repeated or prolonged dosing.
When should I avoid ibuprofen in a child?
Avoid Brufen if your child has chickenpox, severe diarrhoea or vomiting, dehydration, kidney disease, asthma that is worsened by NSAIDs, or any active stomach ulcer. In these situations, paracetamol alone is safer.
Is aspirin safe for children?
No. Aspirin (Disprin) is not safe for children under 12 years of age — it can cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious brain and liver condition. For fever and pain in children, use paracetamol or ibuprofen only.
What if my child is heavier than the calculator allows?
Above approximately 50 kg (paracetamol) or 40 kg (ibuprofen), use the standard adult dose: 500–1000 mg paracetamol every 4–6 hours (max 4 g/day) or 200–400 mg ibuprofen every 6–8 hours (max 1.2 g/day OTC). Confirm with a doctor or pharmacist for chronic conditions.