Calpol vs Ibuprofen for Fever: Which Should You Give Your Child?

Calpol vs Ibuprofen for Fever: Which Should You Give Your Child?

A hot forehead and a miserable child can make any parent want a quick answer. When comparing calpol vs ibuprofen for fever, the right choice is not always about which medicine lowers the temperature fastest. It depends on your child's age, symptoms, fluid intake, medical history and, above all, how uncomfortable they seem.

A fever is common in babies and children, particularly with colds and other viral infections. It is usually a sign that the body is responding to an infection. The aim of fever medicine is to help a child feel more comfortable, rest and drink - not necessarily to bring their temperature completely back to normal.

Before reaching for the medicine cabinet, it helps to have a reliable thermometer to hand. The Braun Sensian™ 7 Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer gives you an accurate, fuss-free reading without disturbing a sleeping child. Shop Now →

Calpol vs ibuprofen for fever: the key difference

Calpol is a well-known brand of paracetamol, while ibuprofen is a different type of painkiller and anti-inflammatory medicine. Both can reduce fever and ease aches, pains and discomfort in children when used correctly, but they work differently and are not suitable for every child in every situation.

Paracetamol is often a straightforward first option for a child who is uncomfortable with a fever, especially where tummy upset, poor fluid intake or a history of wheezing may be a concern. Calpol products come in child-friendly liquid formats, but strengths and age ranges can vary. Always check the individual pack and leaflet before giving a dose.

Ibuprofen can also be effective for fever and may be particularly helpful when a child has pain or inflammation alongside it, such as a sore throat, earache or aching limbs. However, it has more situations where it may not be appropriate. A child who is dehydrated, vomiting repeatedly or drinking very little should not usually be given ibuprofen without advice from a healthcare professional.

Neither option is automatically "better". A child with a mild fever who is playing, drinking and generally themselves may not need either medicine at all.

When Calpol may be the more suitable choice

Paracetamol is widely used for fever and pain relief in children and is suitable for many families when given according to the label. It may be preferable if your child has a sensitive stomach, has not been drinking much, or cannot take ibuprofen for another reason.

It is also commonly chosen when chickenpox is suspected. Avoid giving ibuprofen to a child with chickenpox unless a doctor has specifically advised it, as it has been associated with rare but serious skin complications in this situation.

Be careful not to double-dose paracetamol. Calpol may be the familiar brand in the cupboard, but other cold, flu and pain-relief products can also contain paracetamol. Check all medicines being given, including products intended for older children or adults. Giving two paracetamol-containing products together can be dangerous.

Do not use a medicine simply because a child feels warm. If they are comfortable, alert and drinking normally, monitoring them may be all that is needed.

Points to check before giving paracetamol

Use the measuring syringe or spoon supplied with the product rather than a kitchen teaspoon. Check the child's age and, where the pack advises it, their weight. Record the time and amount given if more than one adult is caring for them - feverish nights are exactly when doses can be accidentally repeated.

If your child has liver problems, is very underweight, or is taking regular medicines, ask a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111 for guidance first.

Our Calpol range:

When ibuprofen may be a good option

Ibuprofen is suitable for many children over the minimum age stated on the product. It can bring down a fever and help with pain, so it may be useful if a child is clearly uncomfortable, struggling to sleep or complaining of an ache alongside their temperature.

Give it with food or milk where possible, as this can be kinder to the stomach. More importantly, make sure your child is drinking enough. Fever can lead to fluid loss, and children who are sweaty, sleepy, refusing drinks or passing much less urine may be becoming dehydrated.

Ibuprofen is not suitable for every child. Avoid it, or seek professional advice before using it, if your child has had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or similar anti-inflammatory medicines. It may also be unsuitable for children with certain kidney, stomach, bowel or heart conditions.

Children with asthma need particular care. Some can take ibuprofen without a problem, while others find it triggers wheezing. If your child has asthma, follow any existing advice from their clinician or ask a pharmacist before choosing ibuprofen for the first time.

Should you alternate Calpol and ibuprofen?

It can be tempting to alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen when a fever keeps returning. In most cases, start with one medicine and see whether it makes your child more comfortable. Giving both routinely creates more opportunities for timing and dosing mistakes, particularly during an interrupted night.

A healthcare professional may advise using the other medicine if the first has not helped enough and your child remains distressed before the next dose is due. Follow that advice carefully and keep a written note of exactly what was given, how much and when.

Do not give both at the same time unless you have been specifically told to do so by a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional. Never exceed the dose or frequency shown on the packaging, even if the fever returns.

Fever care beyond medicine

Medicine is only one part of caring for a feverish child. Offer regular drinks - small, frequent sips can be easier than a full cup. Breastfed babies can continue feeding as usual. Keep clothing light and the room comfortably cool, without stripping a child down or using cold sponging, which can make them shiver and feel worse.

Let them rest, but there is no need to insist on bed rest if they want a quiet activity. Focus on how they look and behave between temperatures: are they responding normally, making eye contact, having a drink and showing moments of interest? These details often tell you more than the number on the thermometer.

Avoid aspirin for anyone under 16 unless it has been prescribed by a specialist. It is linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers.

When to get urgent medical help

Trust your instincts if your child seems seriously unwell. Seek urgent medical advice through NHS 111, your GP or an urgent treatment service if you are worried, especially if symptoms are getting worse rather than improving.

Call 999 or go to A&E if your child has difficulty breathing, has blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin, is hard to wake, seems confused, has a seizure, or develops a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.

A fever in a baby under three months old needs urgent medical assessment, particularly if their temperature is 38°C or above. Babies aged three to six months with a temperature of 39°C or above should also be assessed promptly. Get advice for a child of any age who is showing signs of dehydration, has a stiff neck, is bothered by light, has a persistent fever, or has a health condition that affects their immune system.

Buying children's fever relief with confidence

Keeping a suitable children's paracetamol or ibuprofen product at home can save a late-night dash to the shops, but check expiry dates and read the label every time. Children grow quickly, and the dose that was right last winter may no longer be right now.

Choose a product designed for your child's age, use the supplied measuring device and store all medicines safely out of reach. If you are unsure whether Calpol or ibuprofen is appropriate, a pharmacist can help you weigh up the practical details before you give anything.

The most reassuring plan is simple: treat discomfort, encourage fluids, follow the pack instructions precisely and seek advice early if something does not feel right. A calm record of symptoms and doses can be just as useful as the medicine itself.

Shop our children's fever relief range

Back to blog