Fever Not Coming Down After Paracetamol? What to Do for High Fever in Children

Dr. Sandip Gupta

Parents often ask: I gave the child paracetamol but the fever is not coming down — what should I do? This video covers what helps in that situation. Check the dose is correct – when giving paracetamol, give it in the correct dose. Consult your doctor and give it according to the child's weight, as a per-kg dose. Sponging with lukewarm water – as the fever goes higher, do sponging (patti) with lightly warm water. Doing sponging properly on areas like the forehead, back, chest and groin reduces the discomfort of the fever and releases the child's heat. If fever stays above 102 and paracetamol isn't working – another medicine can be used, but it must be given in the correct dose and on your doctor's advice. It has often been seen that the fever comes down with this. Relevant for: parents whose child's fever is not coming down after paracetamol; parents asking whether they are giving the right paracetamol dose for the child's weight; parents wanting to know the correct sponging technique and which body areas to sponge; parents dealing with fever above 102; and parents asking when a second medicine is needed and whether a doctor should be consulted first. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — never give a second fever medicine without your pediatrician's advice, and seek immediate medical attention if the fever is very high, does not come down, or your child appears unwell, drowsy, or is not feeding.