what are you treating? fevers in children are not dangerous. as a matter of fact fevers are therapeutic by helping to fight infection. the only reason to give a child ibuprofen or acetaminophen would be for comfort and it is certainly okay to do that. many people -- mostly those fearful of fever -- use both alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen but studies have not proven that this is really necessary. is it safe? probably; they are two different drugs. i tell my patient to just pick one and use it sparingly. if they want me to choose i go for the ibuprofen. it lasts longer is anti-inflammatory and is safer. benadryl use in children is iffy too. it can dry up a runny nose for 2-4 hours but then it wears off and has to be repeated again. in adults benadryl can make you sleepy but in children it can actually stimulate them (this is called a paradoxical effect). benadryl is safe if your child is not having any adverse effects.
if i have already given my 6 year old benadryl and tylenol and she now has fever can i now give her motrin?