Paracetamol is a common medicine used to treat fever in children. How does it work? When and how much do we use it? How does it look? There are suppositories, syrups, and tablets that contain paracetamol.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com
Paracetamol for children: how does it work?
Paracetamol has an antipyretic and analgesic effect. By affecting the central nervous system (it affects the so-called central action), it relieves fever and the feeling of choice.
We can use this substance for any type of pain or fever, regardless of the cause.
When to give paracetamol
Paracetamol can be given to babies, as well as to pregnant or nursing women. It is safe to do so. We’ll give the medicine in a way that works for the child’s age. Younger kids will get a suppository, older kids will get syrup, and bigger kids can swallow a tablet (of course, if they can already do so).
When a child’s body temperature is over 36.6 degrees C, we shouldn’t give them medicine right away. They are used when the temperature is between 38.5 and 39 C. Why? When a person has a so-called low-grade fever, the body is prompted to act because the body’s immune system is mobilized to fight. You can find out more here: Medicines that bring down a child’s fever: Some people give too much, while others stay away like the plague. What does the child’s doctor say?
The method of administration of the drug
Typically, we administer paracetamol to older children in the form of a syrup, and we frequently opt for a stronger (forte) formulation that requires a smaller volume. Stop giving the medicine in this way if the child is throwing up or has already done so.
The dosage of paracetamol depends on the weight of the child, and detailed recommendations can be found on the packaging and/or on the leaflet attached to the medicine.
Paracetamol begins to work at least 30 minutes after administration (sometimes the symptoms disappear after an hour).
Paracetamol: contraindications
The most significant contraindication is hypersensitivity to the drug’s components, including the active ingredient (paracetamol) and auxiliary substances. Severe renal or hepatic insufficiency is a contraindication for the administration of paracetamol.
Paracetamol side effects
Side effects are extremely rare, but they may appear, among others:
- allergic reactions (e.g. urticaria, erythema)
- liver dysfunction
- dyspnoea
- lowering blood pressure
Maryam's Blog 