You can safely alternate Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) every 3 hours if needed for fever or pain relief, especially in children. This means if you give Tylenol at one time, you can give Motrin 3 hours later, then Tylenol again 3 hours after that, and so on. This alternating schedule can be used for up to 24 hours without medical advice, but you should always follow dosing guidelines based on the child's weight and age and consult a pediatrician if the fever or symptoms persist or if the child is very young (under 6 months) or has other health concerns

. Key points to keep in mind:

• Tylenol is usually dosed every 4 to 6 hours, while Motrin is dosed every 6 to 8 hours, so alternating every 3 hours effectively spaces the same medication about 6 hours apart

• Keep careful track of the timing and dosage to avoid overdosing, as Motrin should not be given more frequently than every 6 hours

• The alternating approach is often used for high or difficult-to-treat fevers to provide more continuous symptom relief

• Consult your healthcare provider if the fever is very high, lasts more than 24 hours, or if the child shows concerning symptoms like lethargy, difficulty breathing, or dehydration

In summary, alternating Tylenol and Motrin every 3 hours is a common and generally safe practice for short-term fever or pain management in children, but it should be done with caution, proper dosing, and medical guidance if used beyond 24 hours or in infants