Alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen reduces fever in children better than either drug alone.

This all started in the 1970's when some practitioners began suggesting that alternating acetaminophen with aspirin for fever was better than either drug alone. This practice has been passed on from colleague to colleague and continues today.

But due to increased awareness of Reye's syndrome, ibuprofen is now being substituted for aspirin.

Clinicians often recommend various methods of alternating the drugs... ibuprofen every 6 hours and acetaminophen every 4 hours... ibuprofen every 3 hours and acetaminophen every 3 hours... ibuprofen every 2 hours and acetaminophen every 2 hours... or ibuprofen and acetaminophen simultaneously every 3 hours.