Madeline asked
Curious to know if my son had a fever of 103.5 and was given children’s advil at 7:33 pm yesterday and I’ve just checked his temp again (right now while he was sleeping) and it’s normal should I worry about giving him another dose at the 6 hr mark instructed on the label which would be 1:33 am my time.
Answer
It generally isn't necessary to continue dosing of Advil (ibuprofen) for a fever if temperature has returned to normal. Advil (ibuprofen) is given as a fever reducer (i.e. antipyretic) and to help with symptoms associated with fever (e.g. sweating, chills etc...). Advil doesn't, in most cases, help the underlying condition that is causing the fever. Therefore, if the fever has subsided, dosing is no longer necessary.
It is not uncommon for parents to "overuse" antipyretics such as Advil and Tylenol. As mentioned above, their use is mainly for symptom control and to provide comfort. There is no study that suggests their continued use is necessary if temperature has returned to the normal range. Even more so, there doesn't appear to be a specific temperature that you should be trying to attain. Based on data available, the use of antipyretics doesn't appear to hasten recovery from conditions that cause fever in the first place.
It is important to remember that a fever itself is not an illness, but a physiologic response to infection. There are numerous reasons why our bodies increase in temperature as a response to a pathogen. It appears that an elevated temperature helps to reduce bacterial/viral growth and boost the immune system temporarily. In most cases, fever is a protective symptom and is rarely harmful in healthy individuals. Antipyretics like Advil can be used to help with discomfort, but aren't necessary. However, If your child's fever appears to be worsening or not resolving, please speak with your doctor.
