Can a 10-month-old baby with fever be given paracetamol (acetaminophen)?

Paracetamol for 10-Month-Old Baby with Fever

Yes, a 10-month-old baby with fever can safely receive paracetamol (acetaminophen) twice daily (BD) at the appropriate dose of 10-15 mg/kg per dose. 1, 2

Dosing Recommendations

• The recommended pediatric dose of paracetamol is 10-15 mg/kg body weight every 4-6 hours as needed for fever 3, 4
• For a 10-month-old infant, the appropriate dosing interval should not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours 2
• The primary goal of treating fever should be to improve the child's overall comfort rather than focusing solely on normalizing body temperature 5
• Paracetamol is considered first-line therapy for fever management in infants according to international guidelines 4

Administration Options

• Oral administration is preferred when possible 3
• Rectal suppositories are an equally effective alternative if oral administration is difficult or not possible 6
• Ensure proper dosing based on the child's current weight, not age, for maximum efficacy and safety 4

Safety Considerations

• Paracetamol is remarkably well tolerated when used at recommended doses 3
• Never exceed the maximum daily dose to avoid potential liver toxicity 2
• Avoid giving other medications that may contain paracetamol concurrently to prevent overdosing 2
• Single ingestions of more than ten times the recommended dose are potentially toxic 3

Effectiveness for Fever Management

• Paracetamol at 15 mg/kg has been shown to be significantly more effective than placebo for fever management 4
• Physical methods such as fanning, cold bathing, and tepid sponging are not recommended as they may cause discomfort 1
• Ensure adequate fluid intake while treating fever to prevent dehydration 1

When to Seek Medical Attention

• If fever persists for more than 3 days despite paracetamol use 2
• If new symptoms develop or existing symptoms worsen 2
• If the child appears unusually drowsy, irritable, or systemically ill 1
• If the child experiences a seizure with fever, especially if prolonged (>20 minutes) or if recovery takes longer than one hour 1

Important Cautions

• Store paracetamol safely out of children's reach 2
• Use only the measuring device provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing 5
• Do not administer aspirin to children with fever due to the risk of Reye's syndrome 3, 1

Paracetamol remains the first-choice over-the-counter treatment for fever in children due to its established safety profile when used appropriately 3.