Reducing Body Temperatures
Some parents become stressed and fear when their infant has fever since for newborns under the age of two months, it is the only way to diagnose an illness. It is therefore recommended that you immediately bring the infant in for a medical examination. From the age of two months, you can use medications to reduce fever and alleviate pain, as long as there is no reason prohibiting the administration of the medication, such as an allergy to any of the ingredients. You can purchase fever reducers at any pharmacy, even without a prescription. The medications can occasionally be purchased through your HMO at a discount, something that is worth checking.
Selecting a fever reducer
Fever reducers that are suitable for children rely on one of two types of active ingredients: paracetamol and ibuprofen, both of which are effective and safe in reducing fever, either through oral administration or rectal suppositories.
- If you administer a medication based on one active ingredient and it is ineffective, consider using a different type of medication.
- Do not combine two types of medications intermittently to prevent making a mistake in dosage.
- If you previously administered to a child a certain medication and it was effective for the child, use the medication again if necessary.
Selection of a preparation based on the child’s age
Up to 3 months
Only use drops or syrup (it is impossible to administer the correct dose with a suppository).
From 3 months of age
Use drops, syrup or suppositories (rectally).
From one year of age
You can also choose powder for self-preparation.
- Pills can also be given once a child is able to swallow or chew them.
- Consider the child’s preferences. For example, if they refuse to drink syrup, a suppository can be given.
Important
Important
Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16 due to concern of development of Reye’s Syndrome, a rare disease that affects the liver and brain.
| Type of medication | Suitable for this age | Notes |
| Paracetamol suppository | From 3 months of age | Note: do not split the suppository as splitting may affect the exact dosage wanted |
| Ibuprofen suppository | From 3 months of age | Do not split the suppository |
| Paracetamol / Ibuprofen drops/ syrup | From birth |
Any child under the age of two months with fever over 38 degrees must be brought in for a medical examination |
| Powder | From one year of age | - |
| Tablets (pills) | From four years of age | - |
Emphases when using fever reducers
- Remember that the aim is to alleviate the child’s pain. If the child is functioning normally, there is no need to reduce the fever.
- The medication works if the fever reduces, even if it drops by one or two degrees, for instance from 40 degrees to 38.5 degrees.
- If you decide to give a fever reducer, read the manufacturer's instructions attached to the medication.
- Adhere to the recommended quantity and intervals between doses, in accordance with the instructions or medical guidelines you received. Do not give a smaller dose than recommended. as it will not provide the desired affect. However, avoid administering a larger dose than recommended, as it may cause serious adverse events.
- If the child vomits immediately after the medication is administered – give the child another dose.
- Avoid sending a child with fever to preschool or school. If the fever is a sign of an infectious disease, the child may infect other children.
- In addition to treatment with fever reducers and especially with fever over 41 degrees, you can try a warm (not cold!) bath or put warm compress on the face, preferably around the forehead and temples.
- In any case, do not use alcohol or vinegar to reduce fever.
Important
Important
If you administer a quantity of a medication that exceeds the permitted quantity, you must immediately call the National Poison Information Center at 04-7771900, which operates 24/7.