Can acetaminophen and ibuprofen be given together to children to reduce fever?
Both acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol and others) and ibuprofen (also known as Motrin and others) reduce fever and relieve pain. Since they work by different mechanisms, the combination may be better than either drug alone. At least, that is the theory. While the combination is frequently recommended by pediatricians, there is no evidence that the combination or even alternating the drugs offers any advantages in controlling fever in children. Both drugs work equally well when taken in the correct dose, and both drugs appear to be equally safe in children.
