The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7493 p299
15 March 2008

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Tell parents fever is natural response to infection, says DTB

Parents and carers should be reassured that fever is a natural response to infection and may help combat infections, this month’s Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin recommends.

There is little evidence on the effects of antipyretic drug therapy on discomfort associated with fever and insufficient evidence on whether antipyretic drugs help to prevent febrile seizures, the DTB says.

“However, a child who is distressed or uncomfortable because of the fever or associated symptoms, such as myalgia or headache, is likely to benefit from treatment with paracetamol or ibuprofen,” it suggests.

In line with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance the DTB says there is no clear advantage from using paracetamol and ibuprofen either together or alternately.

The DTB also recommends paracetamol as the preferred option for children with renal impairment or dehydration, or who are at risk of gastric bleeding or ulceration.