When your child wakes up in the middle of the night with a hot forehead, the first thing most Brooklyn parents do is reach for the medicine cabinet. But in the rush to make them feel better, it is easy to get confused by the different bottles, syringes, and labels.

At Broadway Pharmacy, we want to make sure every parent in Brownsville feels confident when treating a fever. Here is your local guide to using fever reducers safely and effectively.

Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen: Which One?

The two big players are Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin). Both are great, but they have different "rules."

• Acetaminophen: Can be used for babies as young as 3 months (with a doctor's okay). It’s usually gentler on the stomach and works for about 4 to 6 hours.

• Ibuprofen: This is only for babies 6 months and older. It’s an anti-inflammatory, so it’s great for earaches or teething, and it lasts a bit longer, about 6 to 8 hours.

The "Alternating" Trap: Many parents try to switch between the two every few hours. We generally recommend sticking to one medication. Switching back and forth makes it much easier to lose track of time and accidentally give a double dose.

The Golden Rule: Dose by Weight, Not Age

This is the most common mistake we see at 1538 Pitkin Ave. Kids grow at different rates. A very tall 2-year-old might need a different dose than a smaller 2-year-old.

• Always check the weight chart on the back of the bottle.

• If you aren't sure of your child's current weight, or if the label is blurry, bring the bottle into the pharmacy. We will help you find the exact milliliter (mL) dose for your child.

Why the Syringe Matters?

Never use a kitchen spoon. A "teaspoon" from your silverware drawer can hold anywhere from 2mL to 10mL, that is a huge difference.

• Use the tool that came with the bottle. If you lost it, come see us. We keep extra oral syringes behind the counter and will give you one for free.

• Check the units. Make sure you are looking at "mL" (milliliters), not "tsp" (teaspoons).

FAQs

My child is under 3 months old and has a fever. Can I give them Tylenol?

Stop right there. If a baby under 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher, do not give medicine. Call your pediatrician or go to the ER immediately. At that age, a fever can be a sign of a serious infection that needs a doctor's eyes right away.

What if my child spits out the medicine?

This is a tough one. If they spit it out immediately, you can usually re-dose. But if it’s been 15 or 20 minutes, some of it is already in their system. Don't guess, call your doctor to see if it’s safe to try again.

Is "Infant Tylenol" the same as "Children’s Tylenol"?

In 2026, most brands have made these the same strength (160mg per 5mL) to avoid confusion. However, Infant Ibuprofen is often much more concentrated than the children's version. Always read the "Concentration" on the box before you pour.

Does a fever always need medicine?

Not necessarily. A fever is actually the body’s way of fighting the bug. If your child has a 101°F fever but is still playing and drinking water, you might not need medicine yet. We treat the child, not the number. If they are miserable, fussy, or won't drink, that’s when the medicine helps.

Get a Personalized Dosing Card

If you’re tired of squinting at tiny labels, stop by Broadway Pharmacy. We can write down your child’s specific dose on a card you can keep on your fridge. It’s one less thing to worry about when the 2:00 AM wake-up call happens.

Stay safe, Brownsville!

Children's Medication Safety

This video provides a helpful comparison between acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which is particularly useful for parents deciding which medication is most appropriate for their child's symptoms.