Antipyretic drugs for high fever in adults. Tablets for fever. Antipyretic suppositories for children

Body temperature is one of the most objective indicators of health. In a healthy person, it ranges from 36.6 °C to 37.5 °C, depending on the time of day and the method of measurement (orally, rectally or in the armpit). If it drops below 36 °C or rises above 37.5 °C, this indicates that the body is suffering from some kind of illness. The vast majority of people experience fever during illness, and we’ll talk about that.

Is elevated temperature harmful?

A person may experience a fever with the following diseases:

• viral or bacterial infection;
• poisoning;
• blood diseases and;
• heat or sunstroke;
• exacerbation of a chronic inflammatory disease;
• internal bleeding.

Fever itself is not a disease, it is only a consequence of processes that occur in the body. Weakness, headache, aching joints - the symptoms that accompany fever put the patient to bed and force him to spend energy only on recovery. Temperature helps to overcome the disease: the antibodies and interferon protein produced when it rises slow down the movement of viruses and bacteria throughout the body, gradually destroying them. It has long been known that fever is not an evil, but a natural and healthy reaction of the body to illness, indicating the proper functioning of the immune system. But there are limits beyond which elevated temperature ceases to be a help and begins to harm.

When should you start lowering your temperature?

Why shouldn't you give antipyretics when drowning? The main enemy of viruses and bacteria, interferon, begins to be produced at a body temperature of 38 ° C, so you should not rush to bring down a fever at the first sign. It is necessary to give the body the opportunity to overcome the disease on its own - this has a beneficial effect on the immune system and improves health. At the same time, we must not forget that the upper acceptable limit of non-intervention is 39 °C (37.5-38 °C if the patient has a history of diseases of the central nervous system), especially when it comes to children. What happens if the red line on the thermometer exceeds this mark?

• Nerve cells begin to die, the brain suffers;
• convulsions may occur;
• there is a risk of denaturation (clotting of protein in the blood, similar to what happens with chicken protein when boiled). This process begins at temperatures above 41 °C and is irreversible and fatal.

If the mercury column is confidently approaching 38.5 °C, you need to start lowering the temperature using artificial methods - this process can take 1-1.5 hours, but the fever, on the contrary, progresses very quickly. If the patient does not have neurological or cardiovascular diseases, you can start with physiological methods, and if they do not help, reduce the fever with medication. You should not achieve the physiological 36.6 °C; it is enough to lower your body temperature by 1-2 degrees.

Effective and safe antipyretics

Pharmacies offer a wide range of antipyretics that will help reduce fever and alleviate the accompanying symptoms in an adult. The following are highly effective.

1. Paracetamol(Panadol, Efferalgan, Tylenol, Calpol) is available in different forms (tablets, suppositories, syrup) in dosages for children and adults. It helps to quickly get rid of fever, but, like any medicine, it has side effects: if you are hypersensitive to the components of the drug, a rash, itching, and allergies may appear. Adult patients take it in accordance with the instructions; for children, a single dosage is calculated from the ratio of 15 mg/kg of weight. The resulting amount of medicine can be taken three to four times a day (if necessary). Paracetamol is contraindicated for children under 3 months, and after 12 years it is advisable to switch to adult doses.
2. Ibuprofen(Nurofen, Ibufen) acts faster than paracetamol, but also has a large number of contraindications, so it is prescribed in cases where the latter does not help. The medicine should not be given for bronchial asthma, allergies, blood, kidney and liver diseases. A single dose is 10 mg/kg body weight, taken no more than three times a day. Can be used from 3 years old.
3. Viburkol- rectal suppositories, or, more simply, suppositories, which are based on homeopathic substances. Absolutely safe, used from birth. Has an analgesic effect. For children under six months old, you can put 1 candle/2 times a day, for older children - 4 times a day. Convenient when a child is vomiting and oral medication is not possible.

Prohibited drugs

1. Aspirin and all aspirin-containing drugs, salicylic acid are strictly prohibited for children under 12 years of age. Increase the risk of bleeding and can cause toxic damage to the liver and central nervous system. They have a bad effect on the gastrointestinal tract, so even adults should not take them for ulcers, gastritis, colitis and other gastrointestinal diseases.

The article was prepared using the website http://www.ru.all.biz/ catalog of goods and services. Read the continuation of the article on. You will learn:

1. How to get rid of a fever without drugs?
2. What to do if the child’s temperature does not go down?
3. What does a high temperature without symptoms mean?

Body temperature readings indicate how healthy a person is. When a malfunction occurs in the body, the temperature begins to rise quickly. But even its sharp increase cannot be a reason for panic. You can call an ambulance, because a thermometer reading of 39 or higher is a fairly serious reason, and a team of doctors will definitely arrive quickly. How to bring down an adult’s temperature of 39 before the doctors arrive? This is what we will try to find out.

Reasons for rising temperature

High temperature is always a consequence of serious processes in the body. Moreover, when it is accompanied by painful sensations in the gastrointestinal tract and throat. These are alarming symptoms indicating some kind of pathology. In this state, a person experiences unpleasant sensations - weakness, weakness, apathy, lack of appetite, poor sleep, general malaise.

What to do if the temperature is 39? First of all, it is necessary to find out the causes of the pathology. Most often they can be like this:

• Infectious diseases.
• Extensive inflammatory purulent processes.
• Poisoning with any chemicals, for example, drugs.
• Disorder of the body's endocrine system.
• Collagenosis.

There may be other reasons that cause such a high increase in body temperature. Particularly when a small child is teething. In an adult, this condition may be accompanied, for example, by toothache, which just indicates a strong inflammatory process.

High temperature in an adult

An increase in body temperature indicates that the body is resisting infection. Since pathogenic bacteria cannot withstand high temperatures, some of them die even if the environment changes by just a few degrees. Like all living beings, a person has an optimal mode in which his body can fight disease. However, a temperature of 42 degrees is the limit beyond which in most cases death will follow.

There is a thermoregulation center in the brain. The signal to increase body temperature is given by substances - prostaglandins, which are synthesized by the body itself when an inflammatory process occurs. After such a signal has been received, the thermoregulation center of the brain gives a “command”. The body reacts and uses all its reserves to increase body temperature and maintain it until the inflammatory process is eliminated. After which the blood biochemistry is normalized, and the thermoregulation center sends a signal that the body should return to the normal temperature regime of 36.6 degrees.

What diseases can cause fever?

Most often, if the temperature is 39 and cold, then these may be symptoms of a cold and flu. However, it is not always these diseases themselves that are the cause, but their complications - pneumonia, otitis media, rhinitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis. Meningitis belongs to the group of colds, but infection may not occur as a result of hypothermia. Sometimes this infection is transmitted, for example, through poorly treated drinking water.

Another group is genitourinary diseases. Acute pyelonephritis, for example, always causes a very high temperature. This may also be an exacerbation of chronic processes, such as prostatitis or inflammation of the ovaries.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are also accompanied by a significant increase in temperature. Moreover, these are not only infections, such as dysentery, salmonellosis, rotavirus and others. Acute processes in the course of chronic diseases of the liver and pancreas often give rise to high fever. Not to mention banal poisoning from poor-quality food or overeating. Appendicitis is especially dangerous.

It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that high temperature can be caused by inflammation of the joints, arthritis, radiculitis, gum disease, furunculosis and other pathologies.

Therefore, symptoms other than fever are very important to determine the cause and should be paid serious attention to.

What are the symptoms accompanied by fever

The main symptoms are familiar to most people. These are, first of all, various painful sensations - in the throat or abdominal area, in joints and muscles, head, lower back. When determining pathology, you need to focus on pain first of all. It should be noted that you cannot diagnose yourself, especially when a person is experiencing pain. Only a doctor can accurately determine the disease. You can waste precious time self-medicating, and at best, the acute process will turn into chronic. In the worst situation, there will be a mortal threat.

Elevated temperature, in addition to pain, is accompanied by other symptoms - nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, this indicates a pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing - colds and flu. Problems with urination - renal pathology, prostatitis.

Typically, a high temperature is accompanied by chills and a feverish state, which sometimes increases and decreases. Sometimes even confusion occurs. Therefore, a person at such a moment cannot be alone, unattended.

You need to know that a temperature of 39 degrees and above can last for several days in a row, but the body’s strength is not limitless. Therefore, you should not hope that everything will “go away on its own” and the temperature will drop. It is better to call a doctor who will perform a professional examination of the patient, determine the cause of the disease, and prescribe treatment.

Temperature 39 without symptoms

Sometimes a high fever may not be accompanied by any symptoms. The cause of such a fever may be simple fatigue, severe stress, or physical overload.

The development of collagenosis begins almost asymptomatically. This condition produces high fever, sweating and chills. Only after some time does pain appear in the joints and muscles, and changes in the skin on the face begin.

Rheumatoid arthritis also causes a strong increase in temperature, and at first does not manifest itself with other symptoms that accompany this disease. Also, without any obvious manifestations, thyrotoxicosis begins, in which the amount of hormones in the thyroid gland sharply increases. A little later, symptoms appear - tachycardia.

An overdose of some medications is also accompanied by an increase in temperature without showing any other signs at first. A few days later a rash appears on the skin.

High temperature in a child

Children, especially in the first years of life, tolerate increased temperature much worse than adolescents. How dangerous is a high temperature in a child? The heart rate increases, breathing quickens, becomes heavy and intermittent. A headache appears, loss of appetite, and weakness are observed. In general, the entire body is included in the process and works in an enhanced mode.

In newborn babies, thermoregulation is imperfect. Therefore, an increase in temperature is often not a consequence of an infection in the body or any inflammatory process.

The body of a child under three years old gives off more heat to the external environment than it perceives. Therefore, hypothermia at this age can often lead to the development of a cold.

At the same time, temperatures up to 38 degrees are not dangerous for small children. On the contrary, it indicates that the child’s body is actively fighting the disease. Temperatures up to 39 degrees are usually unpleasant for the baby, but this is how the infection can be significantly reduced. When the thermometer readings exceed thirty-nine degrees, the situation becomes dangerous because it can cause complications, since the load on the cardiovascular system is too great. This pathological condition may be accompanied by seizures.

Therefore, parents need to carefully monitor the situation. Try not to reduce the temperature with medications if it does not exceed 39 degrees. Just make the child’s condition as easy as possible so that he can endure this period safely. Dress him in cotton clothes, remove all external irritants - turn off the TV, computer, excess light. Provide a calm environment and warm drinks.

It must be remembered that viruses easily adapt to antibiotics, and the only thing that can safely cope with them is the child’s own immunity.

Doctors especially note that an increase in temperature indicates that the child’s overall body is healthy. You need to worry when an infectious disease occurs without a high temperature.

There are some contraindications - children under three months of age are at risk of having a fever. Therefore, if the increase in temperature is accompanied by fever, then measures should be taken immediately.

Temperatures above thirty-eight degrees will be dangerous for children who already have chronic neurological diseases or cardiovascular diseases.

Antipyretics

When the situation develops too actively and the temperature exceeds the limit of thirty-nine degrees, it is time to take action. What to do if the temperature is 39? First of all, you need to call a doctor. While you wait for him to arrive, you can take medications.

How to bring down a temperature of 39 at home? All pharmacies now offer a wide range of special antipyretics. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are sold without a prescription.

Medications

Paracetamol is one of the most common and effective antipyretic drugs for high temperatures. Its action is to reduce the production of prostaglandins in the body. Thus, paracetamol does not eliminate the cause of the disease, it only fights the symptoms.

"Analgin" is the most powerful remedy against fever; emergency doctors also use it to reduce excessive thermometer readings.

Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid help to bring down the temperature well if the cause of its appearance is an infection. A very effective and reliable remedy that has been known to mankind for more than a hundred years. However, people with chronic gastrointestinal diseases should take this drug with caution so as not to provoke exacerbations. Therefore, in order not to irritate the stomach, you need to take aspirin tablets in a water-soluble form. It is better for pregnant and nursing mothers to replace this drug with another, safer one. It is also better for women during the menstrual and postpartum periods not to take aspirin, as it thins the blood and can cause bleeding.

Ibuprofen is the safest antipyretic for high temperatures. It is successfully prescribed to children, side effects are minimal, and there are practically no contraindications.

Folk remedies

How to bring down a temperature of 39 in an adult? There are truly wonderful folk remedies that are used in addition to medications and alleviate the general condition of the body.

Herb tea

What to do if the temperature is 39? Warm drink is recommended. Various herbal teas are perfect for this. Well-chosen herbs will help support the immune system, remove toxins from the body, relieve symptoms - sore throat or stomach pain, relieve nausea, reduce headaches. And further reduce body temperature.

One of the most effective remedies in the fight against colds is raspberry tea. You can use both jam and dried berries. Even leaves will do. This drink is brewed by adding raspberries to regular black tea.

Linden tea, mint tea, with the addition of black currant leaves and chamomile flowers are perfect. You can brew these herbs separately, add them to regular tea or with raspberries. Make an herbal mixture from these dried plants.

For gastrointestinal problems, make a decoction of rose hips, St. John's wort, nettle, and oak bark. To reduce the temperature in case of kidney diseases, lingonberry leaves, corn silk, bear ears, and horsetail are suitable.

Compress

What to do if the temperature is 39? A fairly effective remedy that alleviates symptoms and helps reduce it is a compress. Usually they are applied briefly to different parts of the body: the forehead, wrists, temples. The idea is to act on the skin and thus reduce the level of heat transfer.

For a temperature compress, water at room temperature is suitable. You can make a decoction of mint, which creates a pleasant cooling sensation on the skin due to the evaporation of essential oils contained in the plant. Of course, after preparation, such a decoction should first be strained and then cooled.

The fabric for the compress should be cotton.

The compress should be changed every ten minutes so that the fabric does not have time to heat up and is constantly cool.

This method will help reduce the fever faster. However, you need to remember that a sharp decrease in temperature will not only be unnecessary stress for the body, but will also lead to unwanted side effects - palpitations, for example. In addition, if the temperature drops too quickly, it can also rise sharply. This is too hard for a weakened body, and can only lead to a deterioration in the general condition.

Hyperthermia in a child during illness is a serious stress for the body, which adversely affects all systems. When the temperature reaches 38 degrees and above, pediatricians recommend knocking it down by any possible means. The most effective for this purpose are antipyretic drugs for children, of which a considerable number have been developed today. When choosing a product, you need to take into account not only the age of the child, but also the active ingredient in order to prevent the development of allergies and not aggravate the course of the disease.

When should an antipyretic be given?

It is believed that in diseases of a viral or infectious nature, hyperthermia is a normal reaction of the body. A high temperature in this situation indicates that active production of antibodies has begun to fight the disease. Therefore, doctors do not recommend lowering the temperature unless there is a general deterioration in health. There are a number of recommendations when you should definitely use an antipyretic:

• Temperature 38 degrees or higher in infants up to 3 months;
• Persistent hyperthermia from 39 degrees in babies from 3 months;
• The presence of febrile seizures with an increase in temperature above 37.5 degrees, especially in children under 7 years of age;
• If you have any diseases of the heart or respiratory system.

In all other cases, it is not worth lowering the indicator if the general condition of the body is normal and there are no severe side symptoms.

Selection of dosage form

Medicines for fever are available in various forms, which allows them to be used even for newborns who do not take pills well. The most common forms of pediatric antipyretics are:

• Rectal suppositories (suppositories). Best suited for infants. The active substance begins to act 30-40 minutes after absorption by the large intestine. The big advantage of this form is that candles can be used even when the newborn is sleeping, as well as when vomiting or regular regurgitation;
• Suspensions. It is recommended for children over 12 years of age, but in some cases it can also be given to infants. The advantage of suspensions is that the medicine is quickly absorbed by the body, which helps reduce the rapidly rising temperature. When choosing a drug, you need to carefully read the composition, since sometimes manufacturers add various additives and flavorings to improve the taste, to which children may have allergic reactions;
• Pills. Antipyretics in the form of tablets can only be used when the child can swallow the drug independently. Therefore, this form is not suitable for infants due to the high likelihood of vomiting. If it is not possible to swallow the tablet, then it should be crushed and diluted in water.

Regardless of the form of the drug, be sure to take into account the dosage of the active ingredient of the antipyretic used. As a rule, suspensions are the most suitable option for children, but they are ineffective for prolonged hyperthermia.

Common products for children

Today, drugs based on paracetamol, ibuprofen, and viburcol are used as antipyretics for children. The use of aspirin and all products based on it is strictly prohibited to reduce the temperature of children under 14 years of age due to possible complications.

Antipyretics based on paracetamol

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the most effective antipyretic drug for children today, starting from one month. It has a strong antipyretic and analgesic effect. Products based on it can be used for various respiratory diseases, inflammatory processes, as well as during the eruption of baby teeth. It is not recommended to use them for diabetes of any type, viral hepatitis, as well as for chronic kidney and liver diseases. If the dosage is not observed, possible adverse reactions may include nausea, profuse vomiting, loss of appetite, and skin rash. Here is a list of the most effective paracetamol-based products for children:

• Paracetamol. The drug is taken at the rate of 10-15 mg of the active substance per 1 kilogram of the child’s weight, while the drug reduces the temperature by a maximum of 1.5 degrees, so it cannot be used as an antipyretic. Children's paracetamol comes in the form of a suspension, syrup, or less often in tablets. When taking it, you must follow the instructions, since different dosages are required for different ages. The interval between taking the drug should be at least 4 hours (so that the substance is absorbed into the blood);
• Panadol. A paracetamol-based drug, available in the form of suspensions or rectal suppositories. It has an active antipyretic and analgesic effect. It is actively used for various colds, flu, inflammatory processes and teething in newborns. Can be used starting from infancy, while strictly observing the dosage during use;
• Calpol. Available only in suspension form. Allowed for use in children under one year of age. Should be taken after meals with plenty of water. In some cases, an adverse reaction in the form of a skin rash is possible, so you need to carefully read the composition of the drug;
• Tsefekon-D. A complex drug aimed at reducing temperature and reducing inflammatory processes. It is actively used for colds, as well as to improve well-being after routine vaccinations. Can be found in the form of rectal suppositories. Can be used for children from 1 month;
• Efferalgan. A common remedy for children, starting from newborn age. Can be found in the form of syrup and rectal suppositories. Pathologies of the intestines and liver are a contraindication to the use of the drug.

Ibuprofen-based drugs

It is advisable to use ibuprofen-based products if paracetamol does not have a positive effect or you are allergic to it. Do not use drugs if you have an individual intolerance to the active substance, bronchial asthma, diseases of the circulatory system, liver or intestines. Ibuprofen can be given to children older than 3 months. In case of an overdose of the drug, adverse reactions are possible in the form of stool disturbances, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

• Ibuprofen. It can be used to reduce fever even in newborns, after consulting a doctor. The dosage of the drug is 5-10 mg per kilogram of weight. The interval between taking the drug should be at least 6 hours. For children over 10 years of age, the interval between uses can be reduced;
• Children's Nurofen. It has an active complex antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect. It is recommended to use for hyperthermia during colds, flu or after routine vaccination. Available in the form of a suspension or rectal suppositories. When choosing the form and dosage of the product, it is necessary to take into account not only weight, but also age. Both types of medicine can be used in children from 3 months. Nurofen has a negative effect on the digestive system, so adverse reactions such as stool problems or vomiting are possible;
• Children's ibufen. It has a complex effect characteristic of the entire ibuprofen series. Available only in the form of suspensions for children over 1 year old and weighing at least 7 kilograms. It is considered one of the best remedies for high fever. When taking ibufen, you must follow the instructions for use, since the dosage is highly dependent on body weight;
• Motrin. Available only in suspension form. Can be used from two years of age. The drug helps not only reduce high fever, but also relieve pain in the head and muscles. An overdose of the drug is characterized by urticaria, dizziness, and intestinal disorders.

Homeopathy

Many pediatricians are skeptical about homeopathic remedies for the treatment of any diseases, but such preparations based on herbal components are actively used by parents to reduce the temperature of their children. The advantage of such drugs is that adverse reactions are rarely observed. Among the most common drugs of this type is viburcol. Available in the form of a rectal suppository, the composition contains only natural ingredients (chamomile, belladonna, nightshade, calcium carbonate and others). In severe cases, you can use the product 4-5 times a day, if there is an improvement in the condition - up to 2 times.

Alternative remedies

If taking paracetamol or ibuprofen is impossible due to individual contraindications or does not bring the desired result, alternative means are selected to reduce hyperthermia. Most often, they are necessary if the fever lasts for a long time, and the body is weakened and is not able to cope with the high temperature. The most common drugs:

• Papaverine. Available for small children in the form of rectal suppositories. It is an antispasmodic, which makes antipyretic drugs more effective at high body temperatures in children. During use, it is necessary to take into account the age and weight of the child according to the instructions;
• Preparations based on nimesulide: nise or nimulide. Available in the form of suspensions for children over 2 years of age, dispersible tablets for children over 3 years of age, tablets or capsules for children over 12 years of age. The drugs have a large number of contraindications, and in case of overdose, side effects such as intestinal disorders, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite are possible. The dosage and choice of the drug should be carried out by a doctor.

For a prolonged increase in temperature, an injection with a lytic mixture containing an analgesic, antispasmodic, and antihistamine is recommended. As a rule, such a measure is necessary if it is impossible to take the drug due to severe vomiting, individual contraindications, rapid deterioration of the condition and febrile convulsions, as well as severe illness in a child under 5 years of age. The dose of the drug should be calculated by the treating pediatrician or directly by the emergency medical care team.

Rules for taking antipyretics for children

• The choice of medication and its form should be made by a doctor, based on the characteristics of the course of the disease, the age and weight of the child;
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen should only be used as an antipyretic and not as a pain reliever;
• For children over 9 years old, it is advisable to choose antipyretic tablets;
• The daily dose of paracetamol used should not exceed 60 mg per kilogram of the child’s weight;
• To eliminate rapidly growing heat, it is advisable to use a syrup or suspension;
• Do not take the drug for more than 72 hours in a row;
• It is not advisable to use an antipyretic during antibiotic therapy;
• If high hyperthermia was caused by pain in the abdomen, along with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, then you must first call an ambulance.

High temperature in children is a characteristic sign of many diseases. If hyperthermia occurs suddenly without any reason, then you should immediately call an ambulance rather than self-medicate. It is important to remember that the choice of antipyretic medication should only be made by a doctor, otherwise the course of the disease can be aggravated.

Almost every adult experiences an increase in body temperature. Fever occurs outside of the seasons, without distinguishing gender and age. When the thermometer readings are high, the question arises, what antipyretic tablets should be taken to alleviate the patient’s condition? When is taking medication undesirable, and when is it necessary to do without it? And which pills are more effective?

Most of us know that not every fever (body temperature above 37.0) should be treated.

So, if the readings are 37.0-37.5, you will not need to take medications for fever. Such an increase (low-grade temperature) promotes the production of the body’s own interferon and this allows us to recover more quickly. Therefore, a treatment in which temperatures of 37.5 are brought down with pills, but at the same time immunostimulants are taken, looks strange.

If you have a temperature of 37.0-38.5, then it is advisable to keep semi-bed rest, drink a lot and give the body the opportunity to overcome the disease on its own. You can wipe yourself with cool water, as well as water with vinegar or vodka (this method is not suitable for children).

You should take medications only after the thermometer readings rise above 38.7. However, in some cases you will need to take medications at lower levels.

Limitations and contraindications of antipyretics

So, to start taking antipyretic tablets for hyperthermia just above 37.0 you should:

• Persons prone to seizures.
• In the presence of cardiovascular diseases.
• In case of individual intolerance to heat.
• Patients suffering from chronic diseases.
• If there is a bacterial infection in the body.

Those who have systemic liver and kidney diseases should be very careful when taking medications for fever.

When taking antipyretics at high temperatures, it is also important to remember that most combination drugs for ARVI and influenza contain antipyretics, mainly paracetamol. When using them, the dose of fever medicine should be reduced to avoid overdose.

Do not take antibiotics and antipyretics at the same time. After a course of antibiotics is prescribed, NVSP is discontinued.

The interval between taking tablets should be 4 hours; if the temperature does not rise, there is no need to take the medicine. It is drunk only after it has risen again by at least 1 degree.

Antipyretic drugs should not be taken for more than 5 days.

Types and types of temperature tablets

Just some 50-60 years ago, the main drugs for fever were opiates. Nowadays, they have been confidently replaced by NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The peculiarity of NSAIDs is that they do not treat the cause of the disease, but only act on the brain center in the hypothalamus and normalize thermoregulation in the body, since high temperature is dangerous for the brain and central nervous system.

Today, the pharmacological industry produces two generations of medications for fever.

The first generation includes:

• paracetamol,
• aspirin,
• analgin,
• indomethacin,
• citramon,
• ibuprofen.

They quickly relieve inflammation and reduce temperature, have an analgesic effect, but can cause a number of unwanted side effects: disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, problems with the liver and kidneys, and the central nervous system.

To the second:

• coxib,
• meloxicam,
• nemisulide

These drugs have significantly fewer side effects, but have a negative effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Paracetamol

The most common drug, due to its good ability to fight hyperthermia. This drug is included in most combination drugs for ARVI and influenza.

Taking a pure drug will not only reduce the risk of allergic reactions to dyes and flavors, but will also contribute to its faster action. The effect of oral administration occurs within 20-30 minutes. Among the advantages of paracetamol, in addition to the quick effect, is its low price. Pure paracetamol is one of the cheapest drugs (from 17 rubles / 10 tablets), however, when purchasing combined drugs, the price can be quite high.

The disadvantages include possible side symptoms: disorders of the central nervous system and digestion.

Paracetamol is included in the following combination drugs: Coldrex, Coldact, Tylenol, Theraflu, Rinza, Rinzasip, Flutabs, Aminodol, Acetophene, Efferalgan, Panadol, Tylenol, Dexamol and many others.

Their effects will vary significantly due to their composition. At the same time, contraindications will also be excellent; use should be dosed, and careful reading of the instructions is mandatory.

Preparations for adults are available in tablets, injection capsules and powders, and for children there are suppositories, syrups, suspensions and children's chewable tablets

Second most effective for fever. It relieves fever well during colds and flu, and is effective for diseases of the joints and spine.

The drug may also have undesirable effects on the gastrointestinal tract, heart and kidney function, and central nervous system.

It is not used as an antipyretic tablet for children under 6 years of age, and from 6 to 12 only after consulting a doctor; it is not prescribed to pregnant women, people suffering from kidney disease, liver disease and peptic ulcer disease, hemophilia, inflammatory bowel disease.

Among the analogue drugs will be: Nurofen, Solpaflex, Ibutop, Ibufen, Ipren, Ibuprom, Burana, Advil, Bonifen, etc.

Single dose for adults: 200 mg (1 tablet) 3-4 times/day. To achieve a therapeutic effect, a single dose of 400 mg (2 tablets) is possible, but not more than 1200 mg/day

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)

In use since 1897. Today this drug has been studied thoroughly and a wide spectrum of its action has been revealed, although initially it was used only as an antipyretic drug.

However, aspirin is not prescribed to children under 12 years of age, as it can cause liver problems and damage the brain. For adults, acetylsalicylic acid is an effective remedy and relieves fever well. In addition, aspirin thins the blood and is used to prevent blood clots and myocardial infarction.

If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract and the likelihood of internal bleeding, the drug is contraindicated. It is not used to treat pregnant women and patients with gout.

A single dose for adults ranges from 40 mg to 1 g. Daily from 140 mg to 8 g.

The drug can be found in pharmacies under the names: Aspirin, Acetylsalicylic acid, Upsarin, Aspicor.

This is one of the most inexpensive antipyretics, it is classified as the most important, irreplaceable medicine in Russia and is included in the WHO list.

Analgin is often used as an analgesic for headaches, joints, post-operative, and muscle pain, but in inflammatory processes and infectious diseases, analgin has a good antipyretic effect. If the thermometer readings are too high, administer intramuscularly; up to 39.0, take tablets.

Single dose 500 mg (1 tablet), frequency of administration - 3-4 times a day. Analgin is not used to eliminate fever in children.

Some features of treatment with antipyretic drugs for children

Not all antipyretics can be used for children. To eliminate fever in children, only paracetamol is used, and if it is intolerant, ibuprofen (but not earlier than 6 years).

For children under 1 year of age, consultation with a therapist is indicated at 37.0. Only a doctor can prescribe medicine.

For children under 3 years of age, dosage forms such as syrups and suspensions are preferable; older children will already be able to swallow a tablet; they are often prescribed powder or effervescent, chewable tablets.

Mothers need to remember: antipyretic drugs for high fever in children only eliminate the symptoms, but do not treat the cause of the fever. Along with taking antipyretics, the disease itself is treated.

If it is difficult to give syrup or tablets, then you can use rectal suppositories and suppositories for the child for fever.

The tablet will take effect in 20-30 minutes, the syrup in 30-40, the suppositories in 40-50.

Children are given medications specifically designed for babies only after the recommendations of a pediatrician and careful study of the instructions.

To eliminate fever in children, do not use: Aspirin, Analgin, Amidopyrine, Phenacytin and other medications based on them.

Additional measures to relieve hyperthermia include drinking plenty of fluids and rubbing with water at room temperature. For children under 3 years old, do not use vinegar and vodka so as not to burn the child’s delicate skin.

If the baby is hot, his skin is pink and hot, warm sweat appears, he should not be covered warmly (this will raise the temperature even higher), and if he is cold, he is pale, his arms and legs are cold, he needs to be covered.

Taking fever medications by pregnant and breastfeeding women

Expectant mothers should be very careful about the manifestations of fever. Doctors say that a temperature of 38.0 in a pregnant woman is a reason to call a therapist. However, they do not recommend taking antipyretic drugs without medical supervision.

Prohibited drugs will include: aspirin and analgin.

Effective antipyretics such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are used with extreme caution and only when the expected benefit should outweigh the possible harm. Paracetamol doses are up to 4 tablets per day, ibuprofen is used only if it is impossible to use paracetamol and in doses up to 120 mg/day.

Nursing mothers should take the medicine immediately after feeding, so it will pass into breast milk in smaller quantities.

In the first trimester and in the last week before childbirth, it is advisable to use traditional methods of treatment: drink herbal infusions, compotes, juices. Taking pills is undesirable and sometimes dangerous.

Fever is only a symptom that signals an inflammatory or infectious process in the body; its appearance requires the establishment of the cause of hyperthermia and stable normalization of temperature is possible only after its elimination. If there is a significant increase in temperature in both children and adults, consultation with a doctor is required.

The pharmaceutical industry produces a huge number of antipyretic drugs. They differ significantly both in scope and degree of effectiveness. Taking the drug by adults should be recommended by a doctor and not exceed the time prescribed by him. Treatment of children is carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician.

Get treatment and be healthy!

However, many of us make mistakes when doing this. Let's look at the most typical situations.

Our expert - therapist Marina Zavolotskaya.

Liver hit

Situation. Despite the temperature, Elena could not stay at home: there was an important work event in the evening. Going to him, the woman accepted. After the business part there was a buffet reception, where Elena drank a glass of wine. After some time, she became ill and was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with toxic liver damage.

Where is the mistake? Although doctors warn from year to year that it should not be combined with alcohol, sick people often make this mistake. Paracetamol-based drugs are considered quite harmless and very effective. However, they have a hepatotoxic effect, that is, they have a negative effect on the liver. Under normal conditions, only obvious ones can lead to serious consequences. But if after taking the medicine or shortly before it a person drinks alcohol, the toxic effect increases significantly, and standard doses of paracetamol can lead to complications and even death. Moreover, the amount of alcohol does not have to be impressive; not only a glass of wine, but also a medicinal tincture containing alcohol can play a fatal role.

The general rule is this: for nine hours before and nine after taking medications, you should not take alcohol at all. It’s better to give it up altogether for the duration of treatment.

Not for prevention

Situation. Sergei caught a cold and felt very bad: he had a runny nose, high fever, and headache. For relief, he took a soluble remedy from a sachet, which has an antipyretic and analgesic effect. It helped, and in order not to feel overwhelmed again, Sergei began to drink the product as tea, especially since it had to be dissolved in hot water, and it itself had a pleasant taste. After some time, nausea and malaise appeared...

Where is the mistake? Soluble antipyretics begin to act faster than tablets, because the rate of absorption of fluid in the body is much higher. That's why many people prefer them. However, the very form of the medicine, similar in taste to warm fruit drink or tea with lemon and honey, often leads to overdose. A person treats the drug as a warming drink, which is recommended to be consumed unlimitedly for colds and flu. As a result, this leads to problems with the liver or stomach - depending on whether the antipyretic is made based on paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid. Therefore, you need to take such medications strictly according to the instructions, taking into account your weight (overweight people need larger dosages, thin people need smaller ones). As a rule, such remedies do not require more than three to four doses per day.

Sergei made another mistake: antipyretics should not be taken “for prevention.” These are symptomatic remedies that act only when there is already a high fever. In the absence of it, they will not bring any benefit, but they can give side effects. So, if the mark on the thermometer has not reached 38.5 °C, most adults do not need to resort to the help of the drug.

But even this does not mean that you can take antipyretics every hour. To bring down the temperature, products based on paracetamol, ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid or metamizole sodium are used. The interval when taking the first three medications should be four to eight hours. The latter remedy is used only in severe cases, usually in the form of injections, under the supervision of a doctor.

Call the doctor!

Situation. To get relief, which was accompanied by a severe headache, Svetlana took paracetamol. There was no effect, so two hours later she took a tablet of acetylsalicylic acid. After another three hours, we had to call an ambulance: the temperature still did not subside, but in addition to the headache, nausea appeared.

Where is the mistake? Oddly enough, it is not at all that the patient alternated between different remedies. In some cases, this is acceptable (although in which cases it is better for the doctor to decide), besides, there are now combined antipyretics on the market, in which two or more active ingredients are combined.

The mistake is that specialists were not contacted after the temperature was not reduced the first time. Sometimes this happens when infection activity is high. However, a severe headache may indicate a life-threatening condition, so it is better not to experiment, but to immediately call doctors. The same should be done if the temperature is observed with pain in the abdomen, chest, vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing or swallowing.