Question about fevers

Okay, I need the wise advice of the wonderful TS ladies.

We took the babies to the pediatrician last Tuesday. Luke had a 101 temp at the office visit. The pediatrician suggested to give him a dropper and a half of Tylenol every 4 hours. Which we have been doing for the past week, Tylenol does help but eventually when we get close to hour 4, his temp gets around 100-101.
Luke is getting his top 2 teeth in, which is not helping, so in additional to Tylenol we've been giving him teething tablets as well.
My question is, how long should he be using Tylenol? Isn't a week too long? We do plan to call the pedi tomorrow to see what they say, but, I am just wondering-are we doing the right thing? I feel so bad because while he is eating and sleeping good, he is just lethargic otherwise and I miss my happy baby boy!

 

I don't give anything for fevers so maybe I'm not the best person to be answering this but yes, a week is too long. I believe it says on the label not to use any longer then 10 days?? Prolonged tylenol use can lead to severe liver damage. I would stop using the tylenol and let the fever run its natural course. Fevers are the bodies natural way to fight infection, by giving fever reducers, you are stopping the bodies natural defense and can prolong the infection and in some cases make it worse.

 

If his fever is teething related then I would be giving it to him around the clock. I have given them tylenol for more than a week straight.
My girls get it with breakfast, lunch and dinner when their teeth are bothering them. Tylenol is not going to hurt him whereas ibuprofen is not good for your belly.
If the teething tablets and some orajel will work then maybe give the tylenol a rest for a day and see what happens.

Maia's top teeth have been coming in forever as well!

I hope you get your happy boy back soon!

 

Ohh poor Luke...bless him!! :hug:
I am not too sure on the Tylenol, but I would think a week is long enough? Let us know what your Pedi says tomorrow.
Breaking a fever is ROUGH.
I am glad to hear he is eating & sleeping OK though ~
Have you been using cold compresses on his little forehead? That worked really well for us.

 

My Ped said anything over 100.6 rectally is a fever and you can treat it if you want to depending on how high it is and what symptoms they are showing. Have you seen a slight fever at 4 hours and not given Tylenol and checked again in a bit to see if it is going higher or just holding at low grade? I do think it is a good idea that you will bring it up to the Ped tomorrow. Fevers are nasty little buggers! :hug: to you and Luke.

 

*hugs* I hope the fever is gone soon.

Dianna

 

I think I'd be nervous about going a week on Tylenol too. I haven't encountered that though, so no advice! I hope he's feeling better though!

 

QUOTE(DATJMom @ Sep 8 2008, 09:45 PM) [snapback]970476[/snapback]
My Ped said anything over 100.6 rectally is a fever and you can treat it if you want to depending on how high it is and what symptoms they are showing. Have you seen a slight fever at 4 hours and not given Tylenol and checked again in a bit to see if it is going higher or just holding at low grade? I do think it is a good idea that you will bring it up to the Ped tomorrow. Fevers are nasty little buggers! :hug: to you and Luke.


I completely agree with Rachel. :hug: to you and Luke.

 

Thanks for the hugs and support ladies! Our pediatrician's office opens at 9:30, so we will be sure to call. This morning he feels cool to the touch and seems to be in better spirits. I'm afraid to rock the boat and open his mouth to see if the top teeth are through yet (yes, I'm a big chicken that I am afraid of the reaction of 8 month old baby). I am hoping that we can be Tylenol free today!!!!! Will update once I talk to the pediatrician!

 

Hope you have a quick pedi appointment and that Luke is feeling better today.

 

QUOTE(Leighann @ Sep 9 2008, 08:48 AM) [snapback]970999[/snapback]
Hope you have a quick pedi appointment and that Luke is feeling better today.


Wanted to update (finally): Luke has been fever free all day! I called the pediatrician's office and they said that they would have definitely wanted to see him if he had a fever this morning and if he got a fever at all today to call them and they would see him ASAP. Hopefully he will stay fever free, the poor thing! Thanks for all of your good thoughts!