Clipping Board » Medical Myths ─ The truth about healthcare is often different from what you intuitively think.
Author: Ding Qiwen, Director of Pediatrics at Shutian Clinic
Fever in children is one of the most concerning and troubling symptoms for parents, and there are many myths and misconceptions about fever and fever reduction. One common misconception, even among pediatricians, is the belief that "alternating different types of fever-reducing medications is better."
For example, a study published in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics summarized 161 questionnaires filled out by pediatricians and found that 50% of the doctors had recommended alternating or combining two or more different fever-reducing medications. When asked why they supported this practice, they responded that it was based on guidelines published by medical associations, advice from mentors or colleagues, or their own experience.
In fact, a review of papers published after 1970 online shows no formal reports evaluating this practice, and the pediatric medical association does not recommend it. The pressure to combine fever-reducing medications mainly comes from the anxiety adults feel when facing a feverish child, believing that "the fever must be reduced at all costs."
Let's discuss the two most commonly used fever-reducing medications on the market today: Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. Fever-reducing medication can be used when the body temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius. Ibuprofen is administered at 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight every 6 hours. Acetaminophen is administered at 12.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight every 4 hours, and can be used again if the fever persists.
From a pharmacological perspective, these two fever-reducing medications are quite similar. Both inhibit the production of prostaglandins, thereby restoring the set temperature of the body's thermoregulatory center to normal. Both medications are metabolized in the same way: absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, broken down by the liver, and excreted in urine. The difference is that Acetaminophen acts quickly, while Ibuprofen has a longer-lasting effect.
When used individually, both fever-reducing medications are effective and safe as long as they are administered within reasonable doses. In principle, combining different fever-reducing medications is unnecessary and not very safe, as these medications have similar mechanisms of action and metabolic pathways. Moreover, the differing dosages and intervals between doses can easily confuse parents, and improper use can lead to uncontrolled fever reduction, causing unnecessary trouble.
The correct attitude toward fever is to treat it as a warning sign and to seek the underlying cause. Even if the fever is not reduced to normal temperature, it is acceptable as long as the child is not crying, restless, or experiencing febrile seizures. It is safest and most reliable to keep a commonly used fever-reducing medication at home and to be familiar with its proper usage.
Source: http:/ / 203. 69. 33. 10/ all_net/ ……alth/ lovelyhealth/ baby/ 7. htm
Alternating Fever Meds for Kids: Dangerous!
Fever in children is one of the most concerning and troubling symptoms for parents, and there are many myths and misconceptions about fever and fever reduction. One common misconception, even among pediatricians, is the belief that "alternating different types of fever-reducing medications is better."
For example, a study published in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics summarized 161 questionnaires filled out by pediatricians and found that 50% of the doctors had recommended alternating or combining two or more different fever-reducing medications. When asked why they supported this practice, they responded that it was based on guidelines published by medical associations, advice from mentors or colleagues, or their own experience.
In fact, a review of papers published after 1970 online shows no formal reports evaluating this practice, and the pediatric medical association does not recommend it. The pressure to combine fever-reducing medications mainly comes from the anxiety adults feel when facing a feverish child, believing that "the fever must be reduced at all costs."
Let's discuss the two most commonly used fever-reducing medications on the market today: Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. Fever-reducing medication can be used when the body temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius. Ibuprofen is administered at 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight every 6 hours. Acetaminophen is administered at 12.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight every 4 hours, and can be used again if the fever persists.
From a pharmacological perspective, these two fever-reducing medications are quite similar. Both inhibit the production of prostaglandins, thereby restoring the set temperature of the body's thermoregulatory center to normal. Both medications are metabolized in the same way: absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, broken down by the liver, and excreted in urine. The difference is that Acetaminophen acts quickly, while Ibuprofen has a longer-lasting effect.
When used individually, both fever-reducing medications are effective and safe as long as they are administered within reasonable doses. In principle, combining different fever-reducing medications is unnecessary and not very safe, as these medications have similar mechanisms of action and metabolic pathways. Moreover, the differing dosages and intervals between doses can easily confuse parents, and improper use can lead to uncontrolled fever reduction, causing unnecessary trouble.
The correct attitude toward fever is to treat it as a warning sign and to seek the underlying cause. Even if the fever is not reduced to normal temperature, it is acceptable as long as the child is not crying, restless, or experiencing febrile seizures. It is safest and most reliable to keep a commonly used fever-reducing medication at home and to be familiar with its proper usage.
Source: http:/ / 203. 69. 33. 10/ all_net/ ……alth/ lovelyhealth/ baby/ 7. htm