Should We Alternate Acetaminophen And Ibuprofen In Children?
Alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen in children with fever is a very common practice. However, she has little scientific evidence. We will learn more about this in this article.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two common medications in every family’s first aid kit. In the face of any problem, they are usually our first allies.
However, we must not forget that they are medications and, therefore, they are not without problems, especially if used incorrectly. Let’s look at each of them in more detail.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen
What is acetaminophen and what is it used for?
Paracetamol is a drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of fever and pain of mild to moderate intensity.
In the body, it acts mainly by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system. Unlike ibuprofen, it has no anti-inflammatory effect.
Adverse reactions produced by the use of acetaminophen are rare. The only population at risk are children with liver problems or who are allergic to this drug.
What is ibuprofen and what is it used for?
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. Its mechanism of action is due to the inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins, which play an essential role in the onset of fever, pain and inflammation.
It is indicated for the symptomatic relief of occasional mild or moderate pain and for febrile states. It should only be used for occasional use and for limited periods of time.
The most frequent adverse reactions to ibuprofen are gastrointestinal in nature. Peptic ulcers, perforation or gastrointestinal bleeding may occur. To minimize adverse effects, it is recommended to take the medication with meals or with milk.
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Fever is, without a doubt, the most frequent cause of medical consultations in childhood. It is an issue that causes a lot of concern for parents and is often treated more as an illness than a symptom.
However, fever is just that: a symptom, not an illness. The objective with a child with fever should not be to eliminate the fever, but rather to look for the cause that caused it and then treat it.
Fever, in our body, is a defense mechanism against infections. When it appears, it indicates that the immune system is working and fighting the invading microorganisms. That’s why sometimes eliminating fever can be harmful.
Antipyretic treatment should be given according to the person’s general condition. This means that it should only be used if the child is unwell. If the discomfort is not relieved, you may want to consider changing your antipyretic.
Should we alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen in children?
Currently, there is no therapeutic indication to combine or alternate antipyretics. Studies do not show that the combination of drugs produces more benefits than the administration of just one.
It is most advisable, in case of fever and malaise, to administer paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours, as it has fewer adverse effects than ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is usually the drug of first choice in these cases.
However, it is sometimes possible to opt for ibuprofen, especially when we are looking for an anti-inflammatory effect , in addition to the analgesic and antipyretic effect.
However, we must always follow the pediatrician’s instructions, both in relation to the dose and in relation to the frequency and duration of treatment. Each child and each situation is different and it is the doctor who should guide the treatment.
