Hesperian Health Guides
Malaria, Dengue, and Other Illnesses from Mosquitoes: Medicines
HealthWiki > New Where There Is No Doctor > Malaria, Dengue, and Other Illnesses from Mosquitoes > Medicine for Pain and Fever
Medicine for Pain and Fever
Paracetamol, acetaminophen
Paracetamol is a good, affordable medicine for the fever and pain that comes from many mosquito illnesses.
Important
Do not take more than the recommended amount. Too much is poisonous to the liver and can kill. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children, especially if you have it as a sweetened syrup.
Cold medicines often contain paracetamol, so do not give them if you are also giving paracetamol or you may give too much.
How to use
Give 10 to 15 mg per kg, every 4 to 6 hours. Do not give more than 5 times in 24 hours. If you cannot weigh the person, dose by age:
Under 1 year: give 62 mg (half of ¼ of a 500 mg tablet), every 4 to 6 hours.
1 to 2 years: give 125 mg (¼ of a 500 mg tablet), every 4 to 6 hours.
3 to 7 years: give 250 mg (½ of a 500 mg tablet), every 4 to 6 hours.
8 to 12 years: give 375 mg (¾ of a 500 mg tablet), every 4 to 6 hours.
Over 12 years: give 500 mg to 1000 mg, every 4 to 6 hours, but do not give more than
4000 mg in a day.
Under 1 year: give 62 mg (half of ¼ of a 500 mg tablet), every 4 to 6 hours.
1 to 2 years: give 125 mg (¼ of a 500 mg tablet), every 4 to 6 hours.
3 to 7 years: give 250 mg (½ of a 500 mg tablet), every 4 to 6 hours.
8 to 12 years: give 375 mg (¾ of a 500 mg tablet), every 4 to 6 hours.
Over 12 years: give 500 mg to 1000 mg, every 4 to 6 hours, but do not give more than
4000 mg in a day.
This page was updated:05 Jan 2024