Fever management: evaluating the use of ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe and effective medications for reducing a fever in children and young people and they are often administered together with a view to reducing a temperature quickly. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines dictate that only one of these drugs should be given at a time because there is no evidence to suggest that simultaneous use is more effective. This article summarises a literature search of randomised controlled trials carried out to identify which, if either, of these drugs is faster at reducing a fever. In the studies examined, ibuprofen was found to be marginally more effective. However, the maximum dose of paracetamol was not administered. There is a need for more methodologically sound research that uses equivalent doses of both drugs.
Crook
Jodie
J
A & E Department, Ealing Hospital NHS Trust, London.
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016529:Emergency Nursing; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen; D007052:Ibuprofen