“HAVE you eaten already, so you can take your medicine?”
Many parents grew up hearing this reminder from their mothers, aunts or grandmothers — that medicine should never be taken on an empty stomach. That may be true for some drugs such as aspirin, but not necessarily for paracetamol. A 1976 study by gastroenterologists K.J. Ivey and P. Setree found that while aspirin had a negative effect on the stomach, paracetamol did not. Unlike some pain relievers that may irritate the stomach lining, paracetamol is absorbed quickly by the body and generally does not cause stomach problems.
That difference helps explain why paracetamol is widely used and often recommended for children. It is generally considered gentle enough to be taken even without food intake, making it a practical option for fever relief when a child has little or no appetite.
Even so, when giving paracetamol, parents and caregivers still need to pay close attention to dosage and frequency. Most medicine boxes include a guide based on the child’s age or body weight. As for frequency, paracetamol is usually given every four to six hours. Caregivers should also be aware of any other medicines the child is taking, since some may also contain paracetamol. Failing to notice this can lead to accidental overdosing. Knowing when to give paracetamol and how much to give remains key to managing pain, fever and discomfort safely.
These are among the reasons many parents turn to paracetamol products such as Tempra for fever relief. The brand highlights its 100-percent dissolved paracetamol “No Shake Formula,” which is designed to provide consistent dosing. It also promotes itself as “Mabait sa Tummy” (“gentle on the tummy”), meaning it may be taken even on an empty stomach, offering relief when children need it most.
Still, responsible care should always go hand in hand with professional guidance.
When in doubt, or when symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional. If a child’s fever lasts for three days or more despite medication, medical advice should be sought, as fever may be a sign of a more serious illness.