Antipyretic efficacy and safety of ibuprofen and acetaminophen in children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the antipyretic effects and safety of ibuprofen compared with acetaminophen in febrile children.


METHODS
Searches of MEDLINE (1966-November 2003) and EMBASE (1988-November 2003) were conducted using the terms ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Bibliographies of selected articles were reviewed.


RESULTS
Ibuprofen was significantly more effective than acetaminophen in reducing fever after a single dose. Ibuprofen was found to be more effective after 6 hours, but not after a longer period of time. Studies with multiple doses have also failed to show that one drug is better than the other.


CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy and effectiveness of acetaminophen and ibuprofen in their recommended dosages are similar, with slightly more beneficial effects shown with ibuprofen.
Goldman
Ran D
RD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ran.goldman@sickkids.ca
Ko
Karen
K
Linett
Lauren J
LJ
Scolnik
Dennis
D
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005334:Fever / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant; D013997:Time Factors
D000082:Acetaminophen; D007052:Ibuprofen