What Causes Fever In Infant?

Posted on Tue, 6 Jan 2015

Question: Hi

My 19 Months old daughter is having fever from last night ranging from 100 to 101
we are giving calpol 250mg 2.5 ml for every 4hrs

Is it ok to continue this medication for a while before seeing a doctor or you recommend any other medicine..this caphol was given to her when she was 17 to 18 months old by the doctor

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Viral fever likely cause. Calpol has to be given

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Viral infections are very common in children and it is likely that your child is suffering from such an infection. Usually such infections resolve on their own in 5-7 days irrespective of the use of antibiotics. Calpol which contains paracetamol is effective in reducing the temperature and needs to be given. You are doing the right thing in giving the medicine. The dose of paracetamol is 15 mg/kg/dose to be given at a minimum interval of 3-4 hours but only if there is fever. You can give tepid sponging along.

Along with that you may give Syrup Relent (Cetirizine + Ambroxol) which contains an antiallergic and helps in relieving cough or runny nose which are often associated.

You can wait and the fever is likely to subside in 5-7 days. But if you think that the child is becoming lethargic or other symptoms like wheezing, reduced passage of urine etc. are present, you would need to visit a pediatrician and get the child examined and investigated. On the other hand, if the fever lasts for more than 7 days, medical intervention might be required and typhoid needs to be ruled out.

Hope that helps.

If you found my answer helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating. Wishing you and your family health.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (8 hours later)

Thanks Doctor

what is the difference between calphol 250 and P250 syrup?

My friend's pediatric suggested for P250 for his son..but my doc told me to use calphol...

Is it true that P250 is more effective and also it has some side effects?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
They contain the same medicine.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

Calpol, crocin, pyrigesic, P-250 etc. are all brands of the same medicine paracetamol. They are manufactured/marketed by different companies under different brand names but contain the same amount of the same medicine paracetamol (if dose is same) and hence there can be no difference in effect or side effect. Different doctors may prescribe different brands but they are one and same.

Paracetamol is a very safe medicine. So you need not worry about side effects.

Hope that helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (8 hours later)

Thanks Doctor

Last week when she was constipated..my doc suggested to use livolik syrup bcz she was passing her stool very hard..today also she passed her stool very hard...can we use syrup during fever?

Pls advise

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Livoluk can be given

Detailed Answer:
Thanks again for writing back.

Livoluk contains duphalac which can be safely given during fever and at other times too. It is a good medicine but giving fibre rich materials like plenty of green leafy vegetables will do the same task of regularising the bowel habits.

Hope that helps.

If you found my answer helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating. Wishing you and your family health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (19 hours later)

Thanks Doctor

She is still having fever this is 4th day...fever comes back to her every 4hours
she is eating normally playing well..passing urine..so we shouldn't be worried?

we are giving her paracetamol

IS it normal for viral fever to be in her body for these many days?

Pls advise

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It may takr 5-7 days for fever to subside

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

In case of such a viral infection it takes 5-7 days to recover irrespective of the use of antibiotics or other medicines. Just continue paracetamol for fever. If fever lasts for more than 7 days it is a cause for concern and other possible causes need to be looked into.

But if the child is active and eating fine, you may relax as things are fine.

Hope that answers your query. Wish you all the best.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D