‍Key Differences Between Tylenol & Motrin

Tylenol (Acetaminophen):

• Used for fever and pain relief (e.g., headaches, general discomfort).
• Can be used over the counter in age 3 months and older
• Check with your medical provider for use in under 3 months
• Does not reduce inflammation.

Motrin (Ibuprofen):

• Used for fever, pain, and inflammation (e.g., ear infections, sore throat).
• Only for infants 6 months and older.
• Consider avoiding if the child has stomach upset, a bleeding risk or kidney disease

Understanding Medication Names

What's the difference between brand-name and generic medicines?

Brand-name medicines (like Tylenol® or Motrin®):

• Created by pharmaceutical companies that developed the medicine
• Have trademarked names protected by law
• Are typically more expensive because of research and marketing costs
• Contain the same active ingredients as their generic versions

Generic medicines (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen):

• Contain the exact same active medicine 
• Are sold under the medicine's official name (not a brand name)
• Are required by law to work exactly the same way
• Cost 30-80% less than brand names

Examples you might see at the store:

• Instead of Tylenol® → "Acetaminophen" (with store name like "CVS Health" or "Equate")
• Instead of Motrin® → "Ibuprofen" (with pharmacy branding)

How to Measure a Temperature

Key Points for Accurate Temperature Measurement:

• For infants < 3 months: Prefer rectal temperature (most accurate for this age).
• For older children & adults: Oral temperature is preferred if possible.
• Temporal (forehead) thermometers: Should measure core temperature but can be inconsistent. Verify readings by taking multiple measurements or checking on another person.
• Tympanic (ear): use in age 2 years or older, excessive ear wax can cause temperature discrepancies 
• Axillary (underarm) temperature: Least accurate—use only if no other method is available.

Types of Temperature Measurements

• Core Temperature (Most Accurate for Fever Detection):
  
  • Includes rectal, oral, and temporal (forehead) readings.
• Tympanic (ear) Temperature: 
  
  • Can be used in children 2 years and older
• Axillary (Underarm) Temperature:
  
  • Least accurate method.
  • Not considered a core temperature—use only if no other option is available.

What Counts as a True Fever?

• A true fever is a core temperature (rectal, oral, or temporal) of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• For detailed temperature-taking guidelines by age for fevers, refer to the chart below.

Dosing by Weight/Age

⚠️ Always use the syringe or dosing cup provided—never household spoons. Use weight before age information to dose.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosing

Motrin (Ibuprofen) Dosing

Critical Safety Information

⚠️ Before giving medication:

• Check that no other medicines contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen (e.g., some cold medicines)—this may lead to overdosing.
• Confirm the concentration (mg/mL) on the bottle—some infant drops differ from children’s liquid.

When to Contact Poppins

• To help you figure out the exact weight based and safe dosing of Tylenol or Motrin for your child
• If you have questions about your child’s sick symptoms. 

When to Contact Your Pediatrician

• Fever ≥104°F that does not improve with medication.
• Fever that lasts >3 days
• Fever ≥100.4°F in an infant 2-3 months old
• Pain that lasts >5 days or is worsening

When to go to the ER 

• Fever ≥100.4°F in a baby 2 months or younger

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