High fever, headache, and muscle pain in a child are often signs of an acute respiratory illness. In such cases, parents try to give him an antipyretic and analgesic as soon as possible. And today we will talk exclusively about the children's drug Paracetamol.
What is temperature?
It should be understood that temperature is a protective function of the body. During the penetration into the human body of a foreign pathogenic organism, a protein called interferon begins to be produced. It is he who launches a complex defense mechanism, accompanied by an increase in temperature. That is, the higher it is, the more intensively the body fights the infection.
But a rise in temperature above 38.5 ° C (and in infants - 38 ° C) causes severe dehydration, impaired blood microcirculation and leads to impaired functions of many internal organs. In this case, doctors recommend using the drug “Paracetamol" (for children, the dosage will be discussed a little lower).
Mom's note
If the body becomes hot with an increase in temperature in a sick child, and the cheeks turn pink, then this means that the processes of heat generation and heat transfer are in a balanced state. In this case, the use of antipyretic drugs can give a positive result and alleviate the condition.
If, with an increase in the temperature of the baby, a chill beats, the skin becomes pale, and the hands and feet become very cold - antipyretic drugs are not suitable, as a result of violation of the heat regulation mechanism, spasm of blood vessels occurs, which poses a serious threat to life. In this case, you must urgently call an ambulance and hospitalize the child.
Antipyretic drugs have their own side effects or can cause allergies.
The selection of an antipyretic is a purely individual process, so here we can talk about the trial and error method. In most cases, the drug "Paracetamol" for children, the price of which is quite affordable for the family with any income, perfectly copes with the task. Its convenience also lies in the variety of forms of release. The manufacturer offers candles, syrup and tablets. The dosage of Paracetamol in children in this case is prescribed in accordance with age.
The drug "Paracetamol" for children
This, according to doctors, is the safest medicine for a fragile children's body. You can purchase products where the active substance is presented in pure form. These are candles “Cefecon”, syrups “Panadol”, “Efferalgan”. There are drugs where paracetamol “paired” with caffeine, phenylephrim, chlorphenamine and vitamin C.
Indications for use
Antipyretic, analgesic and mild anti-inflammatory effect - these are the properties that the drug "Paracetamol". The use of children is not limited to just knocking down the temperature. The medicine can be used in the following cases:
- with headache, muscle pain and toothache;
- to relieve manifestations of the common cold, SARS and influenza;
- with burns and injuries of soft tissues;
- to eliminate pain during menstruation in girls.
The tool is not used as a prophylaxis of colds.
Contraindications
If the drug "Paracetamol" does not lower the temperature, then most likely it is not suitable for the child. In this case, you should try medications based on another active substance. Contraindications for admission are also:
- hypersensitivity to paracetamol;
- age up to three months;
- impaired liver and kidney function;
- anemia;
- leukopenia;
- congenital hyperbilirubinemia.
The drug "Paracetamol" for children: dosage
Paracetamol can be given to children no more than four times a day with an interval of six hours. For one dose, the dose should not exceed ten milligrams of active substance per kilogram of the total weight of the child. Detailed instructions are always attached to the medicine. Syrups and suspensions have measuring spoons or glasses, so the dosage of "Paracetamol" for children never causes problems.
The effect of the drug begins to appear 30 minutes after administration. At this time, you must carefully monitor the condition of the baby. If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, choking, paleness, or loss of consciousness, you should immediately call a doctor. Such conditions may indicate an overdose or the development of a severe allergic reaction.
It is impossible to use an “adult” tablet analog to lower the temperature in children, since in this case it is very difficult to calculate the allowable dose.
And one more nuance that parents often overlook. Always store baby medicines separately from adult medicines. In cases where the child's temperature rises sharply, you can very easily confuse the funds in a state of panic.
Syrup "Paracetamol"
The tool is a sweet suspension that all babies are happy to drink. Syrup "Paracetamol", the instructions for which contain all the necessary information, do not first need to be diluted with liquid, since it is ready for use. The drug has a very mild effect and is recommended for use even in infants.
Syrup "Paracetamol", the instruction confirms this, is available in dark glass bottles of 100 and 50 ml (the cost is from 60 rubles and above - depending on the manufacturer, volume and region).
Additionally, the drug is equipped with a measuring spoon or a glass. The dosage of "Paracetamol" for children is selected in accordance with the age of the small patient:
- the dose of the drug for children under six months of age is prescribed only by the attending physician after examination and decision on the appropriateness of this action;
- from six months to a year, the dose is 2.5-5 ml of syrup;
- 1-3 years - 5-7.5 ml of syrup;
- 3-6 years old - 7.5-10 ml of syrup;
- 6-12 years old - 10-15 ml of syrup.
At least four hours should elapse between doses of the drug in order to avoid manifestations of undesirable consequences of an overdose.
Rectal suppositories
Rectal suppositories (suppositories) are the most convenient form of medicine for babies from the age of one month. They can be used at night, if the temperature in a child rises sharply. In addition, the active substance, getting into the rectum, begins to be instantly absorbed into the blood and more quickly exert its effect.
Rectal suppositories can be used every 4-6 hours, carefully observing the condition of the child.
Tablet form
Making a child swallow an entire pill is quite difficult. But some babies are calm about taking this form of medication and swallow them without difficulty. Therefore, in the absence of another format of this antipyretic, you can use pills.
The use of Paracetamol tablets is allowed for children after they have reached the full two years. The dose is 1/2 tablet (100 mg). At the age of 6-12 years, a child can already be given one tablet (200 mg). After 12 years, it is allowed to use two tablets at a time (this depends on the state of health and body weight of the child).
The paracetamol tablet preparation for children (the price in this case is much lower than that of a suspension or suppository, and starts from 3 rubles for 10 pieces) is also given with an interval of 4 hours.
Side effects
With prolonged use of the drug, disorders may occur. From the gastrointestinal tract, this is:
- vomiting
- diarrhea;
- pain in the stomach.
In the genitourinary system, these can be impaired renal function. Anemia and a sharp decrease in platelet count may also be observed.
Allergic reactions in the form of a rash, redness on the skin, and swelling of the pharynx are not excluded, which can lead to suffocation. In such cases, it is urgent to give the child an antihistamine and call a doctor (ambulance).
Precautionary measures
Before using the product, it is best to consult with your pediatrician, as well as carefully read all the points in the instructions for the drug, which indicates the exact dosage of "Paracetamol" for children.