2007-02-11 12:46:17 · 9 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
yeah i read somewhere that children under 4 i think shouldn't have motrin, but i have heard to alternate so i am confused
2007-02-11 12:51:46 · update #1
You can alternate them because they are two different types of medications. Tylenol is an acetaminophen and Motrin is an ibuprofen. Thus they work in different ways allowing you to alternate the two when needed (doing the same job with out an overdose). For instance if baby has a high fever that comes back before the next dosage of Tylenol, Motrin can be given to lower it again.
In 2001 the age limit for Motrin was lowered from 6 moths of age to 2 months.
2007-02-11 13:58:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can alternate Tylenol and Motrin if baby's pain or fever come back before the next scheduled dose. For example, Motrin can only be given every six hours, and if baby's fever comes back after only 4 hours, she cannot have another dose of Motrin because she will have more than the intended/safe amount of motrin in her system. It is then that alternating is good because you can give a dose of Tylenol safely because it is a different medication. Also, Tylenol and Motrin work in different ways, so often one will work a little better than the other, depending on the child and on the type of illness.
2007-02-11 12:55:53 · answer #2 · answered by tatertotsmommie2 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I work for a pediatrician and she recommends not giving the baby Motrin until at least 6 months of age. I have never hearad of alternating Tylenol with Motrin. Either one can be used every 4-6 hours.
2007-02-11 12:54:18 · answer #3 · answered by *This won't hurt a bit* 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You do that because Tylenol only lasts 3-4 hours and Motrin last 6-8. So you give a dose of Tylenol, then 4 hours later Motrin, then 4 hours later Tylenol and so on. That way there is always medication in their system fighting the fever, pain, etc.
2007-02-11 12:55:23 · answer #4 · answered by Doogie 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I've never heard you are supposed to alternate. I've heard to stay away from Motrin. Just give Tylenol when the baby needs it.
2007-02-11 12:49:48 · answer #5 · answered by twinmom 4 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Tylenol can cause liver damage over time. And the children can build an immunity to one if given all the time.
2007-02-11 12:51:44 · answer #6 · answered by Spring loaded horsie 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Alternating saved my life. Some doctors say not to, some say its fine. I did it and it worked like a charm for my daughter. This was only when she was teething or feverish.
2007-02-11 13:05:58 · answer #7 · answered by lew22204 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it's so that they don't develop a resistance to it. Plus, each medication works a little bit differently, and might help differently.
2007-02-11 12:49:08 · answer #8 · answered by naenae0011 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
it affects 2 different organs, i believe, the kidneys and the liver. they both affect the pain but it can hurt if given together.
2007-02-11 12:50:59 · answer #9 · answered by amy l 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋