Fever is mainly caused by bacterial, viral, fungal and yeast infections. But they can also result from reactions to certain pharmacological agents (also known as drug-induced fever). Fever can be controlled with medication, so how long is the safe interval between taking antipyretic? Please refer to the article below.
1. What is considered a fever?
Body temperature is a measure of the current level of heat in the body. Body temperature represents the balance between heat production in the tissues and heat loss to the surrounding environment. Although individual body temperatures fluctuate depending on the environment, they generally remain within a specific range known as normal body temperature. This temperature is usually from 36.1 degrees Celsius to 37.2 degrees Celsius, with an average temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. When above 37.5 degrees Celsius, it is considered a fever.
When there are signs of increased body temperature, you should use a thermometer to measure the temperature accurately and follow the measurement procedures recommended by the manufacturer. Temperature can be measured in the temple, armpit (under the arm), mouth, groin area or rectum.
2. When to use antipyretics?
Mild fevers below 38 degrees Celsius are usually less harmful. Therefore, in the absence of significant fatigue or discomfort, antipyretic use is not recommended. Because using antipyretics will change the natural course of the disease. This affects the process of monitoring the results of specific treatment drugs. In this case, it is only necessary to treat and eliminate the cause of the fever. In cases of high fever above 39 degrees Celsius, it is necessary to reduce the fever.
For children aged 3-6 months and older, a temperature of over 38 degrees Celsius requires medical treatment as soon as possible. For infants under three months of age, immediate hospitalization is required if their temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius.
The goals of treating fever are: Reducing discomfort and lowering the body temperature to a normal level. However, the most important thing is to identify and treat the underlying cause of the fever.
Treatment of fever will include the use of various OTC (over-the-counter) fever-reducing medications as well as a range of non-drug measures.
Some non-drug measures to reduce fever include:
- Applying a warm towel to the forehead, armpits, and groin
- Removing clothing to allow air to circulate
- Drinking isotonic saline to cool the body.
3. How long is the safe interval between two doses of antipyretics?
One of the reasons why antipyretics are ineffective and toxic is due to not using the correct interval between doses and doses. Each type of antipyretic will have a different duration of action. Therefore, depending on the type you are using, the interval between doses of antipyretics will be different.
Normally, the interval between each dose is from 4 to 6 hours. Do not use antipyretics consecutively within 4 hours. This can easily lead to dangerous poisoning, even death due to incorrect use of antipyretics.
Prescribed dosage for paracetamol antipyretics:
For adults:
The usual dose is 325 mg to 650 mg.
Take every 4 to 6 hours.
Use up to 4 times within 24 hours. The maximum dose can vary from 3,000 mg to 4,000 mg. However, do not take more than 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period.
Follow all instructions on the medicine label.
For children: Non-prescription antipyretics will have a "Drug Information" label on the medicine packaging. On the label, you will find instructions about your child's age or weight, the allowed dose and the frequency of use. If you give medicine to a young child, follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist about the amount of medicine to give your child. Do not use the medicine if your child is allergic to the medicine.
So the information about the interval between 2 doses of antipyretic is now answered. If you have any questions, please contact Vinmec doctors for advice and answers.
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