From the Research
Treatment for Pyrexia in Infants
The treatment for pyrexia, or fever, in infants is primarily focused on improving the child's overall comfort rather than normalizing body temperature 1. The use of antipyretics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, is recommended to relieve fever symptoms, but not to lower body temperature unnecessarily.
Antipyretic Use
- Acetaminophen is a common antipyretic used to treat fever in infants, with a recommended dose of 15 mg/kg 2.
- Ibuprofen is also used to treat fever in infants, but its use is generally recommended for children over 6 months old 1.
- The combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be more effective than using a single agent alone, but it can also increase the risk of complications and unsafe use of these drugs 1.
Parental Knowledge and Education
- Parental knowledge of fever treatment is crucial to ensure safe and effective use of antipyretics 3.
- Education on the proper use of antipyretics, including dosage and administration, can help prevent overdosing or underdosing 3.
- Pediatricians should promote patient safety by advocating for simplified formulations, dosing instructions, and dosing devices 1.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- The diagnosis of fever in infants is based on physical examination and medical history 4.
- The treatment of fever in infants should be individualized, taking into account the child's age, medical history, and severity of symptoms 4.
- Antipyretic drugs should only be used in special, selected situations, and parents should be educated on the warning signs of severe bacterial infection (SBI) 4.