Classification and use of antipyretic drugs in children

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. CCII Tran Thi Linh Chi - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

There are many different types of fever-reducing drugs on the market, but which fever-reducing drugs are suitable for children and how to use them correctly, not all parents know.

In the list of drugs used to reduce fever, there are 3 types including:
Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen) is a safe and effective antipyretic drug for children that is recommended by most pediatricians. recomend using. The usual interval between 2 doses is every 4 to 6 hours, however in the case of children with renal failure, the interval between doses is at least 8 hours. Ibuprofen: Strong antipyretic effect and longer duration of fever reduction than Paracetamol, however, the use of Ibuprofen must be indicated and closely monitored by the doctor because this antipyretic drug has many side effects. . Dosage 7-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours orally. Ibuprofen is contraindicated to reduce fever in the following cases: Not for children with stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding. Children with suspected or suspected dengue fever. The child has a history of allergy to Ibuprofen, to Aspirin and to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Children with asthma or bronchospasm, bleeding disorders, cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney failure. Limit use to children under 6 months of age. Aspirin: Not recommended for use in children, because of the unhealthy side effects. Children who have a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox, and taking aspirin to reduce fever will increase the risk of Reye's syndrome (a syndrome that causes acute brain and liver damage). Very dangerous complications for children, can lead to death.

Ibuprofen drugs in Vietnam are rarely prescribed for children due to a number of reasons such as:
There are more unwanted effects than Paracetamol Due to the high rate of Dengue fever in Vietnam, Ibuprofen should rarely used. Most doctors prescribe a fever reducer for children, which is a simple Paracetamol.
Paracetamol drug forms on the market today Powder pack form: This form often has the scent of fruits such as oranges, lemons, strawberries... has a sweet taste that is very suitable for children's preferences, children will not be afraid When used, it is very convenient to use, when the child has a fever, just mix the medicine with cold boiling water to give it to the child to drink, effective in reducing fever quickly because the drug Paracetamol is easily absorbed from the stomach and intestines into the blood. only after drinking about 15 minutes - 30 minutes. Packages are available in the usual strengths of 80mg, 150mg and 250mg. Choose the strength depending on the weight of the child Syrup form: Easy to use for children, the common strength is Paracetamol 80mg/5ml, 150mg/5ml or 250mg/5ml. This form has many different flavors, making it easier for children to take the medicine and the antipyretic effect is similar to that of the powder package. Suppositories (anal fever-reducing tablets): This type is often used in cases where a child has a fever accompanied by vomiting, he cannot drink, has a high fever, has convulsions or when the child is asleep, parents do not want to wake him up. This form is prepared with 3 common strengths of 80mg, 150mg and 300mg. 80mg for children from 4-6kg 150mg for children weighing 7-12kg 300mg bullets for children from 13-24kg. Note that the anal form of excipients usually has a slower antipyretic effect than the oral form (powder pack or syrup) about 15-20 minutes. If the house has children from 6 months to 6 years old, you should store this medicine in the refrigerator, in case the child has a high fever and convulsions.

How to use fever-reducing medicine for children Give children fever-reducing medicine when the fever is over 38.5 degrees Celsius. Should use oral or syrup form when the child can drink, if the child has a fever accompanied by vomiting a lot can not drink, high fever convulsions or when the child is asleep, parents do not want to wake up, use the rectal tablet form. Dosage 10-15mg/kg/time for Paracetamol, the maximum dose should not exceed 60mg/kg/day. The time between 2 doses of medicine for infants is 6-8 hours if the child still has a fever above 38.5 degrees. Older children if the child still has a fever, the time to take the medicine is 4-6 hours apart.

Do not arbitrarily use antipyretic for infants under 3 months of age without consulting a doctor. The dose of antipyretic should be based on the actual weight of the child, not the age. Use the correct dose to ensure the safety and effectiveness of fast fever reduction for children. Do not be impatient when taking medicine but the child's fever has not been reduced immediately, it is necessary to observe a safe distance between 2 times of using antipyretic drugs for children to prevent overdose, which can lead to very dangerous acute poisoning. to children's lives. Antipyretic drugs used must have a clear expiry date. Absolutely do not use the combination of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. Because it increases the toxic effect of the drug. Whether it is a suppository, syrup or powder pack, the composition is the same, so do not think that using two different forms of medicine does not need to adhere to the time between the two uses. For example, if you want to give your child a powdered antipyretic, if you want to use an rectal tablet, you need to be spaced at least 4 hours apart and up to 4 times a day for Paracetamol. Antipyretics are one of the most commonly used medications, especially for children. Parents should pay attention to using drugs safely and effectively, avoiding dangerous effects on children.

Pediatrics department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in children, .... With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents.