Contents
Why is the temperature rising?
An increase in body temperature occurs under the influence of pyrogens – active substances synthesized in response to toxins, irritants and pathogenic bacteria. Pyrogens irritate certain areas of the hypothalamus, where the heat-regulating center is located, which results in an increase in body temperature. In fact, fever in both adults and children is a protective reaction of the body in response to pathological reactions occurring in the patient’s body.
Fever can be infectious or non-infectious in origin. Infectious fever develops in acute and chronic diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi.
Conditions and diseases caused by non-infectious fever include:
- hemorrhages from internal organs;
- cancers;
- trauma;
- the presence of foci of necrosis (for example, with myocardial infarction, stroke, etc.);
- allergic diseases;
There are subfebrile temperature – 37,0-37,9 ° C, febrile – 38,0-38,9 ° C, pyretic – 39-41 ° C. Prolonged and high fever adversely affects the body. This is mainly due to overload of the heart, which can be especially dangerous in elderly and senile patients, or those with diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Also, as a result of a sharp drop in blood pressure, collapse may develop. Children with severe fever may develop convulsions, which can not always be eliminated by the appointment of antipyretic drugs. Prolonged fever, for example, with tuberculosis, sepsis, can cause a sharp depletion of the body.
Antipyretics for adults and children
High and prolonged fever has a negative effect on the patient’s body. As a result, the use of antipyretic drugs is indicated. Their appointment is recommended:
- adult patients suffering from flu or colds with a temperature rise of up to 38,5 ° C and above.
- children, pregnant women or persons who can not tolerate high temperatures of 38 ° C and above.
Temperatures below 38 ° C do not need to be brought down.
Antipyretics are characterized by the same mechanism of action. They block the synthesis of substances that cause an increase in temperature. The main properties of the group of antipyretic drugs include:
- anti-inflammatory;
- painkillers;
- antipyretic:
Paracetamol – one of the most popular and affordable antipyretic drugs that are part of most combined cold medicines. Known drugs containing paracetamol include: Panadol, Tylenol, Koldakt, Coldrex, Theraflu and others. Paracetamol is the drug of choice for antipyretic therapy in children. It is well tolerated and practically devoid of such side effects as irritation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, the development of bronchospasm. Currently, paracetamol is considered one of the safest antipyretic drugs.
Adults and children over 12 years of age should take paracetamol at a dose of 500 mg once. For children under 12 years of age, syrup (Panadol) or rectal suppositories are the preferred form of administration.
One of the most serious side effects of paracetamol is hepatotoxicity. It can develop with an overdose of paracetamol. Paracetamol contraindications include:
- hypersensitivity to the drug;
- hepatic or renal insufficiency;
- alcoholism;
- deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Most combined preparations also contain additional substances that strengthen the immune system (ascorbic acid), or have tonic properties (phenylephrine, caffeine). Below is the composition of some of the combined drugs:
| Name of the drug | Composition | Application mode |
|---|---|---|
| Coldrex | paracetamol, caffeine, phenylephrine hydrochloride, terpinhydrate, ascorbic acid | Adults 2 tablets no more than 4 times a day, children (6-12 years old) 1 TB no more than 4 times a day |
| Teraflu | paracetamol 325 mg, pheniramine maleate 20 mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg, ascorbic acid 50 mg | Repeat dose can be taken every 4 hours for up to 3 doses in 24 hours |
| Coldact Flu Plus | Chlorphenamine maleate 8 mg, Paracetamol 200 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 25 mg | Adults and children over 12 years: 1 capsule every 12 hours for 3-5 days |
Aspirin (or acetysalicylic acid) – refers to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Acetylsalicylic acid also reduces blood clotting, and thus prevents the formation of blood clots. Aspirin is part of the following drugs (Aspirin-S, Citramon-P, Upsarin Upsa). The use of aspirin is not recommended for children under 15 years of age, especially in acute respiratory infections caused by viruses, since in this case the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome (encephalopathy with acute liver failure) is increased.
The most common side effects of aspirin are gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Effervescent tablets are safer for the stomach, but can still cause side effects if taken frequently. Aspirin is contraindicated:
- with erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract during an exacerbation;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- bronchial asthma caused by taking aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- when taking methotrexate at a dose of 15 mg per week or more;
- in early and late pregnancy and lactation;
- with intolerance to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Ibuprofen – Another representative of the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is part of the following popular remedies – Nurofen, Ibuklin, Miga, Faspika.
Like aspirin, ibuprofen has a negative effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, irritating it and thus causing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, etc.
Ibuprofen should not be taken in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, aspirin bronchial asthma, urticaria, rhinitis caused by taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bleeding disorders, diseases of the optic nerve, blood diseases, severe renal and hepatic insufficiency, severe heart failure.
Particular attention should be paid when prescribing ibuprofen to children. So, its appointment is contraindicated at the age of up to 12 years (for tablets, capsules, granules for solution), up to 6 years (for effervescent tablets), up to 3 months (for rectal suspensions and suppositories).
Can I take antipyretics without a prescription?
Most antipyretics are sold in pharmacies without a prescription. But taking antipyretics for several days without consulting a doctor is not recommended. When the temperature rises to 40 ° C, you must immediately call a doctor! Antipyretics should not be taken as a course, as well as as a prophylaxis. Antipyretic drugs should be taken only if the temperature rises to 38 degrees and above.
Specialist commentary
“The main antipyretics for both adults and children include ibuprofen and paracetamol,” notes therapist Anastasia Lukashik. – In children, the appointment of these drugs is advisable only when the temperature rises to 38,0 C and above.
Paracetamol is prescribed at a dose not exceeding 30 mg per 1 kg of body weight, divided 3-4 times a day, ibuprofen 60 mg per 1 kg of body weight, also divided into 3-4 times a day. For children older than 1 year, the drug is given in the form of a suspension, up to 1 year – in the form of rectal suppositories.
In adults, paracetamol is prescribed at a dose of 500 mg 3 times a day, and ibuprofen – 200 mg 2-3 times a day. However, usually one tablet is enough to bring down the temperature. Repeated administration of the drug in this case is not required.