ibuprofen and acetaminophen
Ibuprofen, like naproxen, belongs to arylpropionic acid antipyretic and analgesic drugs, has obvious anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects, and its strength is equivalent to that of aspirin, and has a certain inhibitory effect on platelet function , can prolong the bleeding time, but when used in conventional therapeutic doses, the incidence of adverse reactions is low, and the tolerance is similar to that of acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen (Acetaminophen, Paracetamol), also known as acetaminophen, paracetamol, Panadol, Tylenol, Fortolin, etc. are all such drugs, which are aniline antipyretic and analgesic drugs, and their antipyretic and analgesic effects are similar to aspirin , but the anti-inflammatory effect is extremely weak (may be related to the difference in the sensitivity of the drug to different enzymes in the body), and has no effect on the coagulation mechanism. Acetaminophen has less side effects and is easier to tolerate. It is a relatively safe antipyretic drug, and it exists in many cold medicines of compound preparations.
Is there any difference in the antipyretic effect of ibuprofen and acetaminophen?
Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen are non-steroidal antipyretic and analgesic drugs, which play antipyretic and analgesic effects by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, so as to reduce fever and relieve discomfort caused by pain. Sensation and other effects, but it has no effect on those with normal body temperature, and will not lower their body temperature. The antipyretic effects of the two are similar, but there are also certain differences. Relatively speaking, the antipyretic effect of a single dose of ibuprofen is relatively strong, and the cooling time is relatively long, but the speed of acetaminophen's body temperature drop is more obvious than that of ibuprofen half an hour after oral administration.
Is ibuprofen and acetaminophen safe as fever reducers in children?
No antipyretic is absolutely safe, and there is a possibility of allergies. But in general, ibuprofen and acetaminophen have mild side effects and are relatively safe to use in children. Children have similar tolerance to ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and the occurrence of adverse reactions has nothing to do with age. If there are no contraindications, both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used as antipyretics for children. preferred.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are widely used clinically. Pediatricians and parents should pay attention to their adverse reactions, and do not use them at will. If necessary, they should be calculated comprehensively according to the age and weight of the child (where the weight is Priority) the specific dosage, should avoid overdose and overdose.
Are there any differences in side effects between ibuprofen and acetaminophen?
1. Ibuprofen side effects
Mainly adverse reactions of the digestive tract (incidence rate: 5% to 15%), taking it with food can reduce the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
These adverse reactions include indigestion, heartburn, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, satiety, etc., and are generally mild. In addition, less than 1% had gastric ulcer and gastrointestinal bleeding, and about 1% to 3% had nervous system adverse reactions such as headache, drowsiness, dizziness, and tinnitus. Other rare adverse reactions include lower extremity edema, renal insufficiency, rash, bronchial asthma, abnormal liver function, and leukopenia.
2. Adverse reactions to acetaminophen
It is mainly caused by repeated application and overdose, and at the same time, it is easy to cause hepatitis due to the mixed factors of virus infection.
For example, with the conventional therapeutic dose of acetaminophen, there are only occasional adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abdominal pain, and a few of them may cause allergic dermatitis/rash, agranulocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. However, repeated use of therapeutic doses, especially long-term use of high doses, can cause increased liver transaminases, but no reports of liver failure and death have been seen; overdose use can lead to obvious abnormalities in liver function, and sometimes lead to liver failure or even reports of death.
Are there any special precautions to take when using ibuprofen and acetaminophen?
Ibuprofen and aspirin have cross allergies, so children who are allergic to aspirin are contraindicated. Children with a history of peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiac insufficiency, hepatic and renal insufficiency, hypertension, coagulation mechanism or platelet dysfunction (such as hemophilia) should be used with caution. The use of ibuprofen to reduce fever in children with hypovolemia such as dehydration or insufficient water supplementation can increase the risk of renal function damage. In addition, the use of ibuprofen in children with chickenpox increases the risk of group A streptococcal infection.
People who are allergic to aspirin are usually not allergic to acetaminophen, but <5% of children with aspirin allergy may develop mild bronchospasm after taking acetaminophen. Dosage should not exceed the recommended dose, otherwise it may cause headache, vomiting, fatigue, low blood pressure and skin rash. Severe liver and kidney insufficiency is contraindicated. It should be used with caution in children with liver disease or viral hepatitis, mild to moderate hepatic and renal insufficiency, and severe cardiopulmonary disease. Liver function tests should be performed immediately if the child develops symptoms of jaundice.
If accompanied by persistent vomiting, diarrhea or insufficient fluid intake, those with obvious dehydration need to be treated in time to actively correct the water and electrolyte balance. If the child has sunken fontanel, dry lips, sunken eye sockets, less tears, weakness, etc., it means that he is dehydrated. If the child is found to be dehydrated, attention should be paid to rehydration. For the child who is breastfeeding, the most suitable liquid is breast milk.