How to Alternate Tylenol & Motrin for a Fever

Tylenol and Motrin can be very effective at reducing fever in infants, children and adults, but taking the two simultaneously is not advised 1. To achieve best results, the medications may be administered alternately. Directions must be followed carefully when alternating Tylenol and Motrin to prevent complications and/or overdose 1.

Instructions

Calculate desired dosage of Motrin according to patient’s age and weight, as indicated on bottle 2. Document correct dosage in notebook, for reference.

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Calculate desired dosage of Tylenol according to patient’s age and weight, as indicated on bottle 1. Document dosage in notebook, for reference.

Administer desired dose of Motrin to patient, and document the time given in notebook.

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Wait four hours after Motrin dose, then administer desired dose of Tylenol to patient, and document the time given in notebook 1.

Wait four hours after Tylenol dose, and then administer desired dose of Motrin to patient 1. Document the time in notebook.

Continue alternating Tylenol and Motrin every four hours, documenting the time of each dose, until fever is gone and temperature has returned to normal 1.

Tips

Monitor temperature every four hours when administering medication to check effectiveness of medication.

Warnings

Motrin may not be given more than four times within 24 hours. Tylenol may not be given more than six times within 24 hours. Check for interactions between Tylenol and Motrin and any other medications you may be taking with an interaction checker such as the one found on drugs.com.