Things to know about antipyretic drugs for children

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

Anal fever reducer, also known as suppository, is a form of antipyretic drug made in the form of a bullet or torpedo shape, also used to reduce fever through the anus (rectal).

Fever in infants is the same as in other ages. It is the body's normal response to infections, helping the body fight infections through the mechanism of triggering the immune system to increase body temperature higher than normal. However, the resistance as well as the ability to absorb drugs in infants is lower than in other ages, so mothers must be very careful when giving fever-reducing drugs to children.
Currently, there are many different forms of antipyretic drugs such as antipyretic patches, fever reducers in powder, tablet, syrup or suppository form.
So which type is best for babies and is an rectal antipyretic the best choice?
The answer is no. Depending on the child's fever and body temperature to give different treatment methods. Antipyretic drugs placed rectally will be the first choice for cases where the child has a high fever, vomiting, refusing to breastfeed or even comatose. But in turn, in children with high fever who go outside, fever reduction by mouth is the most effective method.

2.1 Dose of rectal antipyretics The main ingredient of rectal antipyretics is mainly Paracetamol.
Talking about antipyretic drugs in general and antipyretic drugs for children in particular, currently in the list of drugs of the Ministry of Health, there are 3 main types used in antipyretic drugs including Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, however, for young children, Paracetamol is always the preferred ingredient due to its high safety and fewer side effects than the rest. That doesn't mean you can't use it indiscriminately. Please use the medicine strictly according to the instructions of the treating doctor to bring the best effect and safety for the health of the child.
Like other drugs, the dose of the basic antipyretic is determined based on the actual weight of the child and scientific studies have proven at a dose of 10mg - 15mg/kg/time for Paracetamol, Antipyretic drugs can reduce fever quickly after 15-30 minutes of use without causing side effects on the body.
In order to make the use more convenient and easier, 3 types of rectal antipyretic drugs have been introduced with different dosages suitable for each weight level:
Anal antipyretic 80mg : used for children weighing 4-6kg. Anal fever reducer 150mg: used for children weighing 7-12kg. Anal fever reducer 250mg: used for children weighing from 13-24kg. 2.2 How to put fever-reducing medicine into the child's anus Before placing the medicine, parents need to clean the anal area for the child, then wash their hands with soap to avoid causing bacterial infection for the child during the application process. Place the child in the breech position so that the medication can be easily administered. One hand gently balles the child's buttocks to expose the anal area, the other hand gently pushes the antipyretic tablet into the child's anus, pushing the pointed part of the tablet in first. Then close the two folds of the child's buttocks for about 2-3 minutes so that the medicine does not come out.
2.3 Some notes when using antipyretic drugs for children

Medicines must be stored at a cold temperature, preferably in a refrigerator with a temperature of 2 - 8 degrees Celsius. Anal fever-reducing medicine should only be used when the child has a fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius and do not use it. fever is taken orally. Because the suppository contains Paracetamol, when not used in combination with oral antipyretics at the same time, it will cause an overdose, affecting the health of the child. If the child does not have a fever, a booster dose can be given at least 4 hours later, in patients with renal impairment, the dose should be repeated at least 8 hours later. The manipulation of the medicine must be gentle and sterile so as not to cause damage to the child's anal area. The dose of anal antipyretic is a fixed dose, do not break the drug or arbitrarily put 2-3 tablets in the anus at the same time. See more advice from Master, Doctor Phan Ngoc Hai - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec International General Hospital on How to measure body temperature when a child has a fever

The drug has many different dosage forms according to each weight level, easy for users to use. The drug is prepared in combination with paracetamol with other excipients capable of melting at 37 degrees Celsius (body temperature). Therefore, when placed in the anus, the drug will quickly dissolve and penetrate into the anal vascular system and then go straight into the circulatory system, giving fast fever-reducing effect without having to go through the liver. This can reduce the pressure on the liver. Using anorectal suppositories can reduce drug interactions through the digestive system, respond very well to cases of children with fever but vomiting, unable to use oral drugs. Besides the above advantages, antipyretic drugs also have their own side effects and disadvantages:
The drug penetrates through the vascular system of the anus, the effect is slower than the oral route from 15-20 minutes .
May cause anal itching to make the child more youthful, there may be a phenomenon of fecal incontinence.
May cause burning pain and damage to the anal area, easy to infection.
Some cases can cause diarrhea.
If you experience any of the above side effects when taking the suppository, please stop using the medicine immediately and see the treating doctor for the most accurate advice.

Do not use rectal antipyretics for children with lesions in the rectal area such as polyps, anal fissures or other anorectal infection problems. Do not use in children with severe liver failure Do not give this medicine to children with diarrhea, constipation or rectal bleeding. Do not use the drug in cases of allergy to Paracetamol. Parents should equip themselves with the most basic knowledge about fever as well as fever-reducing methods to ensure the health of their children. Take your child to see a doctor promptly, use fever-reducing medicine properly to avoid unpredictable consequences. In case the child has a high fever, the fever does not go away for a long time, parents should take the child to a reputable medical facility for examination and treatment.
As a key area of ​​Vinmec Health System, Pediatrics Department - Vinmec International General Hospital always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering team Leading pediatricians: including leading experts, highly qualified (professors, associate professors, doctoral, masters), experienced, have worked in major hospitals such as: Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are well-trained, professional, have a heart - reach, understand young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical examination and treatment.. Specialist II Tran Thi Linh Chi has worked in pediatrics for more than 15 years, has a long time working as Head of Functional Exploration Department, Head of Cardiology and Thoracic Department of Children's Hospital Hai Phong. Currently Head of Pediatrics - Neonatology Department of Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.