Several large research studies have shown that ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) together work well to relieve pain with few side effects. In fact, even for extreme dental pain, these medications combined work better than many opioid pain medications (like Vicodin or Norco). Alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce temperatures is a common practice, with one study reporting that 50% of paediatricians surveyed recommended this combination. Because acetaminophen is most commonly administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg every 4 h and ibuprofen at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 6 h, a simple alternating regimen is not readily apparent ( 6 ). Alternating Medicines to Treat a Fever in Children Older than 6 Months. Tricia Jean (TJ) Gold, M.D. If your child needs a fever reducer, it is best to choose one type of medicine: either acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Children’s Motrin, Children’s Advil). Tylenol and Motrin can be very effective at reducing fever in infants, children and adults, but taking the two simultaneously is not advised. To achieve best results, the medications may be administered alternately. Tylenol, containing the active ingredient acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, sold under various trade names such as Advil and Motrin, can be used safely in combination to relieve pain and fever for short periods of time. It’s not a good idea, though, for you to establish a habit of giving your child alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, because ongoing alternating doses can be hard on the kidneys. In. Should alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen be recommended for treating pain in children? Answer Children who have unresolved pain despite the use of either ibuprofen or acetaminophen should have their medication regimen reviewed to ensure they are receiving the medication at an adequate dose and interval. Alternating Acetaminophen And Ibuprofen For Fever Check you have proper doses for both acetaminophen and ibuprofen for your child knowing the doses may be different. Make sure you have the proper dosing device (syringe, usually) for each medicine. Alternating between ibuprofen and acetaminophen every 2 hours because you have to wait 4 hours for each of them to take a second dose of the same thing. So instead you take a dose of Acetaminophen now, then Ibuprofen in 2 hours and back to Acetaminophen 2 hours later as needed. I think you misread what I was saying and we were both actually saying the same thing.