As parents, we want our children to be healthy and comfortable at all times. However, as much as we try to avoid it, our kids do get sick from time to time. When they are not feeling well, it can be difficult to know what medication is best for them. One common choice that many parents make is between Calpol and Nurofen.
If you’re wondering how often these medicines are safe for your child or whether you should pick one over the other, keep reading! This article will give you an overview of Calpol vs Nurofen and help you make informed decisions when caring for your little ones.
What are Calpol and Nurofen?
Calpol and Nurofen are both painkillers commonly used by adults but also specifically formulated for babies and young children.
What does each drug contain?
Calpol contains paracetamol which helps reduce fever (high temperature) due to colds or flu as well as ease mild/moderate pain such as teething discomfort or headache.
Nurofen contains ibuprofen which reduces inflammation (swelling), relieves pain e.g.colic , earache etc., lowers high temperatures caused by a vaccine or illness like chickenpox in babies older than 3 months but NOT fever related to cold/flu viruses
Both medicines can offer relief of some symptoms experienced while young infants /toddlers have typical infections/family ailments such as teething.
So which one should I choose?
When deciding on a suitable medicine depending on why the medication might be needed:
-CALPOL would relieve Fever but Ibuprofen(NUROFEN) wouldn't eg.Fever accompanying Cold Virus infection -NUROFEN better interrupts Pain Cycle especially pains worsened by inflammation If this were chest/laboured breathing/'wheezy' -CALPOL would be useful for dental pain, headache -NUROFEN might suit Earache
Lower temps can quickly respond to sponging/water intake
It’s always best to consult a doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any medicine. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action depending on your child's age, weight and specific symptoms.They can also tell you how often you should give them medication.
How Often Can I Give Calpol/Nurofen To My Child?
Knowing when and how much medication to administer is crucial in keeping our children safe. It’s important that we follow the instructions given by doctors, pharmacists or indicated on the label.
What dose should I give my child?
The correct dose depends on your child's age and weight as well as consent from health professionals involved in their care eg GP , preschool teachers etc.The NHS recommends following manufacturer guidelines which list dosage based solely upon age/babyweight range: -Babies 0-3 months – do not use without advice from healthcare professional -Babies 3–6 months – one 2.5ml spoonful up every four hours if needed. -Babies over six months – two 2.5 ml spoonfuls up at no more than four-hour intervals. -Children aged two years and over & Adults - two Never go beyond stated directionsWhatever liquid/electronic device /medicine dropper especially designed makes it easier with frequent use!
While some parents may think giving more than what is recommended could make their baby feel better faster or retain longer relief this is inaccurate! Both drugs have limits whether taking together or separately
Normally paracetamol has a maximum limit of 60 milligrams per kilogramme (mg/kg) every four-six hours but short term .e.g overnight; adults shouldn't take more than eight non-drowsy tablets in a 24-hour period or eight day/night ones.
Ibuprofen has even stricter dosing instructions: 10 milligrams per kilogramme (mg/kg) every six-8 hours but not exceeding four doses daily; this becomes less reliable for fever reduction when administrated simultaneously with du painkiller. Don’t forget to take note of the last dose given and space out enough time before repeating medication.
How often can I give Calpol / Nurofen?
Even if your child is experiencing discomfort or fever, it’s essential that you don't go over the recommended dosage amount indicated on the manufacturer's packaging .For laboratory situations there are varied amounts related to ill health which need specific treatment beyond our scope here
As a general rule: -Give either paracetamol(CALPOL) OR ibuprofen (NUROFEN), not both together -Four hours should've lapsed between previous CALPOL adminstration doses of either strength,(6h with high temp -avoid NUROFEN ONLY) -Whenever possible This ensures their effective body temperature balancing process isn't interrupted by intervention unnecessarily
You might be tempted to increase frequency as we all want better recovery results But regularly giving medication more frequently can lead to side effects such anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastro-intestinal bleeding so opting for vigilant monitoring and obeying directions advised could save you little kiddo precious organs!!!
If an emergency occurs always check with NHS Direct Service UK at :111 about red flags symptoms indicating hospitalization requirement e.g.Blurred vision,rash,vomiting relentlessly especially after food intake etc.
Tips For Using Calpol And Nurofen Safely
Although it seems easy peasy administering baby medicine sometimes makes parents worry they will make errors When preparing meds…
-Make sure hands are clean e.g washing before use -Precisely measure using right device eg spoon provided in packet. Avoid guessing! -Store in accordance with package instructions
Conclusion
When our babies and young children get ill, it can be difficult to know how best to care for them. Calpol and Nurofen are both commonly used medicines that can offer relief from feverishness or pain.
Although Both have been tested rigorously before avaialble for public use with frequent global monitoring , This does not necessarily mean they aren’t without risk -Just as their benefits outweigh risks following dose recommendations by manufacturers would maximize outcome
It’ important to follow the instructions given by your doctor, pharmacist or indicated on the label whenever administering medicine
Be sure you do not provide these drugs together Only parents should authorize medication and contact healthcare professionals on signs of red flags rather than hoping side effects can alleviate themselves Also, ensuring children are kept comfortable during this time—lots of cuddles overhead cooling / hydration etc will help speed up recovery
Trust us when we say that no one willingly chooses sickness however occasional slip-ups whilst administering baby meds still happens this could visually harm little ones permanently So we need to stay informed!!!!!