When do you use panadol/nurofen???

[Astrid]

I tend to base using panadol on the discomfort level that is being shown. I don't seem to be able to find the thermometer when I need it, so rarely base on actual temperature. I am reluctant to give it though. Refuse to give the girls nurofen now, found it hyped up DD1 and am just uncomfortable with it. Generally if the girls are unwell, they are not really eating, so hard to get them to have food and take it. I am really uncomfortable with the alternate dosing of panadol and nurofen. That is from a gut instinct basis and also due to the conflicing info out there. If I suspect that a doctors trips or one to the emergency dept is going to happen then I wont give them any as I want the Dr to see how sick they are.

I do feel like a bit of a dill though, DD2 was vomiting horribly and bringing up bile so we took her to hospital. The Dr gave her a dose of panadol and it helped her a lot. I would never have thought to give it for a stomach upset, but he said she was in pain and he was treating that. So something I have to remember for next time.

We do have Brauers Pain and Fever relief, so sometimes we will give that a go first now.

[SamiH]

Re the Nurofen/paracetomol thing (I say paracetomol because I dont use Panadol I use Dymadon)

As someone else said - they are different medicines - paracetomol based and iboprofen based - so they are fine to give together. In hospital after birth I have been offered Naprosyn plus panadol - so very similar one for antiinflammatory properties and one for pain.

Nurofen I try to give after dinner, so then if there is a wake up and one of my kids whoever is still ill with a big temp, i do paracetomol. I never did the two together until my DD had terrible painful ear infections - never did it with DS1 and had the same feelings as some of you - until you have to deal with a temperature that just doesnt subside and it causing your little one so much discomfort.

you cant give aspirin and ibuprofen together amberj - but you must be thinking of something else i dont know either cos i wouldnt give asprin to my babies anyway LOL.

[Indadhanu]

I only give Dymadon (paracetamol), never ibuprofen (personal and family history of gastro-intestional bleeding).

If its daytime and her fever is over 39 and she is a crankypants or it seems to be affecting her I'll give it to her. If she seems ok, playing and drinking and eating then I don't. If its night time and her fever is over 39 I'll give it to her because sleep is important (for all! lol!).

ETA: We tend to 'underdose' her, she's 13kg and I give for 11kg. I do worry about the effects of medication on her system, as much as I worry about the effects of an illness... I do use it as I think theres definitely a place for it, I don't want her to be excessively/unnecessarily uncomfortable or in pain.

[rufalina]

I usually need to do the paracetamol / ibuprofen chaser 30 minutes later if DS is running a high fever, (for him anything over 38 as he has a usual 36), and panadol alone never seems to bring his fever down. But I take his temp 30 mins later and see if it is heading down, and if it is I will leave it at that. But I generally know DS need the extra ibuprofen help, as he will be crying and clinging to me...

I only use paracetamol for a fever though, and the ibuprofen is locked away and only used in emergencies...