A child has a fever when their body temperature is higher than normal. Fever is common in children and is often linked to viral infections, colds, flu-like illness, travel-related infections, vaccination response, or other causes. Fever-reducing medicines can help comfort a child, but correct dosing by age and weight is essential.
Reviewed by the ABC Pharmacy Pharmacist Team
Commonly used fever-reducing medicines for children in Vietnam.
When Is a Child Considered to Have a Fever?
A child is generally considered to have a fever when their body temperature is above the normal range. Temperature readings can vary depending on the child’s age, time of day, and how the temperature is measured.
Rectal temperature: 38°C / 100.4°F or higher.
Oral temperature: 37.8°C / 100°F or higher.
Axillary temperature: 37.2°C / 99°F or higher.
For young children, rectal measurement is often considered more accurate, but it must be done carefully. If you are unsure about your child’s condition, ask a doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare professional for guidance.
Important: Fever is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Fever-reducing medicines may lower temperature and improve comfort, but they do not treat the underlying cause. Children with severe symptoms, dehydration, breathing difficulty, persistent fever, or unusual drowsiness should receive medical care.
What Should You Do When Your Child Has a Fever?
Measure your child’s temperature with a reliable thermometer.
Keep your child comfortable with light clothing.
Offer fluids regularly to reduce dehydration risk.
Encourage rest.
Do not overdress or over-bundle the child.
Use fever-reducing medicine only when appropriate and according to correct weight-based guidance.
Ask a pharmacist or doctor before giving medicine to babies, children with chronic illness, or children taking other medicines.
Common Fever-Reducing Medicines for Children in Vietnam
ABC Pharmacy Hoi An can help parents, travelers, tourists, and expat families check suitable fever-reducing products for children. Suitability depends on the child’s age, weight, symptoms, allergies, medical history, and other medicines being used.
Children’s Tylenol® Oral Suspension (Acetaminophen / Paracetamol 80mg per 2.5ml)
Children’s Tylenol contains acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. It is commonly used to reduce fever and relieve mild pain in children when appropriate.
Suitable for: Children after pharmacist or doctor assessment based on age and weight.
Important: Use only the measuring device provided or recommended. Do not combine with other paracetamol/acetaminophen products. Too much paracetamol can seriously harm the liver.
Hapacol 250® (Paracetamol 250mg Effervescent Powder)
Hapacol 250 contains paracetamol in powder form. It is commonly dissolved in water before use and may be used for fever or mild pain relief in children when suitable.
Suitable for: Children in the appropriate age and weight range after pharmacist assessment.
Important: Dissolve properly before use and follow weight-based dosing guidance. Avoid using multiple medicines containing paracetamol at the same time.
Efferalgan® Suppository (Paracetamol)
Efferalgan suppositories contain paracetamol and may be used when oral medicine is difficult, such as when a child is vomiting or cannot swallow medicine, if suitable.
Suitable for: Children after pharmacist or doctor assessment based on age, weight, and symptoms.
Important: Suppositories may cause rectal irritation and should be used for the shortest appropriate time. Replace with oral medicine when possible and avoid combining with other paracetamol products.
Brufen® Syrup (Ibuprofen 100mg / 5ml)
Brufen syrup contains ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. It may help reduce fever and relieve pain in eligible children when appropriate.
Suitable for: Children who meet age and weight requirements after pharmacist or doctor assessment.
Important: Do not use ibuprofen for babies under 3 months old or children weighing less than 5kg unless specifically advised by a doctor. Ask for advice before use if the child is dehydrated, vomiting, has stomach problems, kidney disease, asthma triggered by NSAIDs, or chickenpox.
Important Medicine Safety Notes for Children
Do not guess a child’s dose. Children’s fever medicine should be based on age and weight.
Do not use adult tablets for young children unless a healthcare professional advises.
Do not combine paracetamol-containing products.
Do not give aspirin to children for viral illness unless specifically prescribed.
Do not alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen unless a doctor or pharmacist advises and explains the schedule.
Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
Why Aspirin Is Usually Avoided in Children
Aspirin is generally avoided for fever in children, especially during viral illnesses, because it has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Parents should not give aspirin to children unless a doctor specifically recommends it.
When Should You Seek Medical Care for a Child’s Fever?
Baby under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or higher.
Fever lasting more than 3 days.
Difficulty breathing, blue lips, or severe weakness.
Unusual drowsiness, confusion, seizure, or stiff neck.
Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration.
Rash that does not fade when pressed.
Severe headache, severe abdominal pain, or ear pain.
Fever after travel with concerning symptoms.
Child has chronic illness, immune suppression, or is taking regular medicines.
Where Can You Find Fever Medicine for Kids in Hoi An?
ABC Pharmacy provides pharmacist-guided support for families, tourists, expats, and residents in Hoi An. Product availability may vary by branch, so messaging ahead can help confirm stock and suitable options.
197 Ly Thuong Kiet
Central Hoi An location with convenient access near the Ancient Town area.
WhatsApp: +84 768 240 425
29 Hoang Dieu
Popular branch serving travelers, villas, homestays, and local residents.
Phone: +84 235 6336 599
140 Nguyen Truong To
Convenient for Hoi An Ancient Town and nearby accommodations.
Phone: +84 235 3788 345
495 Cua Dai
Helpful for beach visitors, Cua Dai, Hidden Beach, and resort guests.
Phone: +84 235 3929 599
46 Dao Duy Tu
Close to Hoi An Night Market, An Hoi, and riverside hotels.
Phone: +84 235 3879 599
Why Choose ABC Pharmacy Hoi An?
Traveler-friendly pharmacy support in Hoi An, Vietnam.
English-speaking assistance for parents, tourists, and expat families.
Medicine safety checks for children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen products.
Help checking age, weight, duplicate ingredients, and dose forms.
Responsible fever care guidance and red flag screening.
Local pharmacy access and delivery support when available.
Need Help Finding Children’s Fever Medicine in Hoi An?
Contact ABC Pharmacy Hoi An to check product availability, ask for pharmacist guidance, or request delivery to your hotel, villa, homestay, or resort when available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a child considered to have a fever?
A child is generally considered to have a fever at 38°C / 100.4°F or higher when measured rectally, 37.8°C / 100°F orally, or 37.2°C / 99°F under the arm.
What fever medicines are commonly used for children in Vietnam?
Common options include paracetamol products such as Children’s Tylenol, Hapacol 250, Efferalgan suppositories, and ibuprofen products such as Brufen syrup.
Can I give my child paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
Do not combine or alternate fever medicines unless a doctor or pharmacist advises and explains the correct schedule.
Can children take aspirin for fever?
Aspirin is generally avoided in children with viral illness because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Use only if specifically prescribed by a doctor.
When should I take my child to a doctor for fever?
Seek medical care if your baby is under 3 months with fever, fever lasts more than 3 days, or the child has breathing difficulty, seizure, dehydration, stiff neck, unusual drowsiness, or a non-blanching rash.
Can ABC Pharmacy deliver children’s fever medicine in Hoi An?
Delivery may be available depending on your location and product stock. Contact ABC Pharmacy Hoi An by WhatsApp or request form to check availability.
References
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Children’s medicine dosing depends on age, weight, symptoms, and health history. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before giving fever medicine to babies, children with chronic illness, children taking other medicines, or children with severe or persistent symptoms.