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Fever Reducers and Pain Relievers

Diseases
Safety
24 August 2026

From age 2 months and older, you can use an over-the-counter fever reducer and pain reliever available at any pharmacy. It may sometimes be available at a discount through your HMO, so it is worth checking.

Choosing a Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer

Medications for relieving pain and reducing fever are based on one of two active ingredients: paracetamol and ibuprofen. Both are equally effective and safe for reducing fever, whether taken by mouth or given as a rectal suppository (through the anus). It is important to choose a medication based on the child's age:

  • Up to age 3 months: Syrup only.
  • From age 3 months: Syrup or suppositories.
  • From age 1 year: Powder, syrup, or suppositories.
  • From age 4 years: Powder, syrup, suppositories, or tablets.

Note: Consider your child's preferences. For example, if your toddler refuses to take syrup, you can use a suppository instead.

Important Guidelines for Using Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

  • Remember that the goal is to help your child feel better. For example, if your child has a fever but is otherwise functioning normally, there is no need to reduce the fever.
  • The medication is working properly if the fever goes down, even by only 1 or 2 degrees, for example, from 40 degrees to 38.5 degrees.
  • Follow the recommended dosage and the intervals between doses, according to the instructions for use or the medical guidance you received.
  • If your child vomits immediately after taking the medication, it is recommended to give another dose.
  • Avoid sending children with a fever to daycare or school. If the fever is a symptom of a contagious illness, they may infect other children at daycare or school.
  • In all cases, avoid home remedies such as using alcohol or vinegar to reduce fever.

Important to know: If you gave more medication than the permitted amount, call the Israel Poison Information Center immediately at 04-7771900. The center is available 24 hours a day.

Some parents feel stressed and worried when their baby has a high fever. For young babies up to age 2 months, fever may be the only sign of illness, so it is important to seek medical care immediately. From age 2 months and older, you can use a fever reducer and pain reliever, as long as there is no reason not to use the medication, such as an allergy to one of its ingredients. Fever reducers and pain relievers are available at any pharmacy without a prescription. They may sometimes be available at a discount through your HMO, so it is worth checking.

Choosing a Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer

Pain relievers and fever reducers suitable for children are based on one of two active ingredients: paracetamol and ibuprofen. Both are equally effective and safe for relieving pain and reducing fever, whether taken by mouth or administered rectally (through the anus).

  • If you gave your child a medication containing one active ingredient and it did not help, consider using a medication with the other active ingredient.
  • Alternating between the two types of medication is not recommended because it can lead to dosing errors.
  • If your child has taken a certain medication in the past and it was effective, it is recommended to use it again if needed.

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 -

Guidelines for using pain relievers and fever reducers

  • Remember that the goal is to help your child feel better. If your child is functioning normally, there is no need to reduce the fever.
  • The medication is working properly if the fever goes down, even by only 1 or 2 degrees, for example, from 40 degrees to 38.5 degrees.
  • If you decide to give a pain reliever and fever reducer, read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication.
  • Follow the recommended dosage and the intervals between doses, according to the instructions for use or the medical guidance you received. Do not give less than the recommended dose because it will not provide the desired effect. Also, avoid giving more than the recommended dose because it may cause serious side effects.
  • If your child vomits immediately after taking the medication, it is recommended to give another dose.
  • Avoid sending children with a fever to daycare or school. If the fever is a symptom of a contagious illness, they may infect other children in the educational setting.
  • In addition to using medications to relieve pain and reduce fever, especially when the fever is above 41 degrees, you can also try a lukewarm bath (not cold!) or damp compresses placed on the face, preferably on the forehead and temples.
  • In all cases, avoid using home remedies such as alcohol or vinegar to reduce fever.

Important

Important

If you gave more medication than the permitted amount, call the Israel Poison Information Center immediately at 04-7771900, 24 hours a day.

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