Can I give Panadol and Nurofen at the same time?

You should not give Panadol (paracetamol) and Nurofen (ibuprofen) at the same time. However, if one is not controlling your child's fever or pain, you can alternate between them. Give one, wait the minimum interval (4 hours for paracetamol, 6 hours for ibuprofen), and then give the other if needed. Always keep track of what you gave and when.

Should I dose by weight or age?

Always dose by weight where possible, as this is more accurate than age-based dosing. Children of the same age can vary significantly in weight. If you don't know your child's current weight, use the age-based guide on the packaging, but weigh them at your next opportunity.

When should I take my child to the doctor for a fever?

See a doctor if: your baby is under 3 months with any fever (38°C or above), your child has a fever above 39°C that doesn't come down with medication, the fever lasts more than 48 hours, your child is unusually drowsy or hard to wake, your child has a rash that doesn't fade when pressed, or you are worried about your child for any reason.

panadol & nurofen dosage chart

by william samuels·9 april 2026

dosages are based on standard Australian formulations. this is general information — always read the label and consult your pharmacist or GP if unsure.

key rules:

• always dose by weight, not age, where possible
• never exceed the maximum number of doses in 24 hours
• do not give both medicines at the same time — alternate if needed
• use the syringe or measuring device in the box

children's panadol (paracetamol)

paracetamol 240mg/5mL (children's liquid)

dose: 15mg/kg per dose — every 4–6 hours — max 4 doses/day

minimum age: 1 month (on medical advice)

weight	age guide	infant drops	children's liquid
4–5 kg	1–3 months	0.6–0.9 mL	—
6–7 kg	3–6 months	1.2–1.5 mL	—
8–9 kg	6–12 months	1.8–2.1 mL	—
10–11 kg	1–2 years	2.4–2.7 mL	4–4.5 mL
12–14 kg	2–3 years	—	5–6 mL
15–17 kg	3–5 years	—	6–7 mL
18–20 kg	5–7 years	—	7.5–8 mL
21–25 kg	7–9 years	—	8.5–10 mL
26–30 kg	9–11 years	—	10.5–12 mL
31–35 kg	11–12 years	—	12.5–14 mL

warnings:

•do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours
•do not give to babies under 1 month without medical advice
•do not give with other paracetamol-containing medicines
•use the syringe or measuring device provided — kitchen spoons are inaccurate
•always dose by weight, not age, where possible
•seek medical advice if fever persists more than 48 hours

children's nurofen (ibuprofen)

ibuprofen 100mg/5mL (children's liquid)

dose: 5–10mg/kg per dose — every 6–8 hours — max 3 doses/day

minimum age: 3 months and over 5 kg

weight	age guide	infant drops	children's liquid
5–6 kg	3–6 months	1.25 mL	—
7–8 kg	6–12 months	2.5 mL	—
9–10 kg	12–18 months	2.5 mL	—
11–12 kg	1–2 years	—	5 mL
13–15 kg	2–3 years	—	6 mL
16–17 kg	3–5 years	—	7 mL
18–20 kg	5–7 years	—	8 mL
21–25 kg	7–9 years	—	10 mL
26–30 kg	9–11 years	—	12 mL
31–35 kg	11–12 years	—	15 mL

warnings:

•do not give more than 3 doses in 24 hours
•do not give to babies under 3 months or under 5 kg
•do not give on an empty stomach — give with or after food
•do not give if your child has asthma triggered by ibuprofen or aspirin
•do not give if your child is dehydrated or vomiting
•do not give with other ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory medicines
•do not use for chickenpox — may increase risk of skin infection

when to see a doctor about fever

•baby under 3 months with any fever (38°C or above)
•fever above 39°C that doesn't come down with medication
•fever lasting more than 48 hours
•child is unusually drowsy, hard to wake, or not responding normally
•rash that doesn't fade when pressed (do the glass test)
•you are worried about your child for any reason — trust your instincts

related guides

common childhood illnesses

symptoms, treatment, and when to see a doctor.

immunisation schedule

which vaccines are due and when.

dosages are based on standard Australian formulations of children's paracetamol (240mg/5mL) and ibuprofen (100mg/5mL). different brands and formulations may have different concentrations — always read the label. this is general information, not medical advice. consult your pharmacist or GP if unsure.