Antipyretic drugs (for fever) are drugs that reduce non-physiological elevated body temperature. Antipyretic drugs most often contain substances such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. How to dose antipyretic drugs in children and adults? Which medications to reduce a fever are safe in pregnancy?

Antipyretic drugs (for fever)are drugs that reduce non-physiological elevated body temperature. The drug of first choice for fever is paracetamol .¹ When administered orally, it reduces fever after 15-30 minutes. Paracetamol, used in the recommended doses, is an extremely safe drug, only in isolated cases undesirable symptoms, usually mild, are observed. When the fever does not decrease after the therapeutic doses of paracetamol and if the patient's condition allows, it is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in anti-inflammatory doses¹ (optionally ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, acetylsalicylic acid).

Antipyretic drugs (for fever) - action

Fever medications inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins in the hypothalamus in the central nervous system; they can also act directly on the effectors of the thermoregulation system, i.e. on the sweat glands and blood vessels of the skin, resulting in increased heat dissipation. These drugs have a multi-directional effect, also relieving pain, and some also anti-inflammatory.

Antipyretic drugs (for fever) for children and adults - dosage

1) Paracetamol

Paracetamol dosage according to body weight:

Paracetamol is the only over-the-counter antipyretic drug registered for use in infants from 3 months of age and recommended for newborns (including premature babies) on the recommendation of a doctor.

  • orally - recommended in a single dose of 10-15 mg / kg of the child's body weight. Subsequent doses may be administered not earlier than every 4-6 hours. However, the daily dose must not exceed 60 mg / kg body weight.
  • rectally (in suppositories) - it is recommended to administer in a single dose of 25 mg / kg of the child's body weight, every 6-8 hours, keeping the maximum daily dose of 60 mg / kg of body weight

Average doses of paracetamol for children by age:

  • From 3 months to 2 years of age, the dose of paracetamol for a child is60-120 mg in tablets, and in syrup from 2.5 to 5 ml
  • From the age of 1 to 5, the dose of paracetamol for a child is 120-250 mg
  • in children over 6 years of age, a paracetamol dose of 250 to 500 mg is used

CHECK>>When not to give your child paracetamol?

Adults usually take 500-1000 mg of paracetamol in a single dose in the form of capsules, tablets, coated or effervescent tablets and granules. Remember not to exceed the dose of 4.0 g per day due to the risk of liver damage.

Important

Paracetamol, at a therapeutic level dose, is the safest drug among over-the-counter painkillers and antipyretics, but all patients must be aware that overdose of acetaminophen is toxic to the liver .¹

2) Ibuprofen

Dosage of ibuprofen for children over 6 months of age

  • 6-12 months (7.7-9 kg) - 2.5 ml (3-4 times 2.5 ml each) or 50 mg of the drug
  • from 1 to 3 years (10-15 kg) - 5 ml (3 times 5 ml) or mg of the drug
  • from 4 to 6 years (16-29 kg) - 7.5 ml (3 times 7.5 ml) or 150 mg of the drug
  • from 7 to 9 years (21-29 kg) - 10 ml (3 times 10 ml) or 200 mg of the drug
  • from 10 to 12 years (30-40 kg) - 15 ml (3 times 15 ml each) or 250 mg of the drug

The daily dose must not exceed 30 mg / kg body weight.

CHECK>>When not to give your baby ibuprofen?

An adult usually takes one coated or effervescent tablet with ibuprofen (200 mg; forte tablets - 400 mg) every 6 hours (maximum 1200 mg per day) in case of fever of various origins. Also available for sale are soft capsules (400 mg) and effervescent granules (200 mg), as well as preparations containing paracetamol.

3) Acetylsalicylic acid

In adults, it is used in the form of tablets, gastro-resistant tablets, tablets and effervescent powders, usually in daily doses of 1.5 - 3.0 g. In young children, it may lead to the so-called Reye's team, so don't give it to them.

Worth knowing

Antipyretics in pregnancy

Future mothers must limit their use to the necessary minimum. It is safest to take paracetamol if you are in a difficult situation. You should take the lowest dose that reduces your fever for the shortest possible time and as rarely as possible. Consult your doctor if the fever does not improve or if you need to take your medicine more often.

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4) Naproxen

The dosage of naproxen in children over 2 years of age is based on clinical trials conducted among young patients with juvenile arthritis; a single dose is 2.5-5 mg / kg bw, not exceeding 15 mg / kg bw / day. There are no studies confirming the efficacy and safety of naproxen in children with indications other than juvenile arthritis.

Adults can use 2 tablets at a time, then 1 tablet every 6-8 hours (if necessary).

5) Metamizole, commonly known as pyralgina

Although it is an effective antipyretic and analgesic drug, it is no longer used in children in most countries due to side effects such as dizziness, tremors, sweating, circulatory collapse (after parenteral administration), allergic reactions, liver damage and kidney disease, ulcer worsening and agranulocytosis, which may even be fatal. Due to the probable teratogenic effect on the fetus and the increased risk of kidney cancer development in children, its use in pregnant and lactating women is not allowed.

Metamizol is used in people over 15 years of age, when other methods turn out to be ineffective. The maximum single oral dose is 1 g (2 tablets), the maximum daily dose is 3 g (6 tablets).

6) Aminophenazone, commonly known as pyramidone

In Poland, it is a component of complex painkillers, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs.

Fever

Source:

1. Mrozińska M., Dealing with a feverish child, "Doctor's Guide"

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