Paracetamol for children: instructions for use

Many doctors and parents believe that Paracetamol should be in the home medicine cabinet in every family with small children. This medicine is used as a symptomatic remedy for pain or fever. And since such symptoms occur quite often in childhood, the presence of Paracetamol at home is really justified. In what forms is this medication produced, how does it act on the human body, in what dosage is it used in children and what analogs can it be replaced with?

Release form and composition

Paracetamol is produced by many companies, and in the name of some drugs there is a prefix indicating the manufacturer (Paracetamol-Altpharm, Paracetamol-UBF, Paracetamol MS, etc.). The medication is presented in pharmacies in the following forms:

Suppositories. They are sold in packs of 10 and come in several dosages - 50, 100, 250 and 500 mg of paracetamol per candle. An additional ingredient of this form of the drug is only the fatty base, thanks to which the suppository keeps its shape (it is torpedo-shaped), has a white or white-cream color, and is also easily inserted into the anus and quickly dissolves inside the intestine.

Suspension. Such a medicine from the companies "Sintez" and "Pharmstandard-Leksredstva" is most often chosen for the treatment of children, which is why it is called "Paracetamol for children" and "Paracetamol for children". The drug is sold in glass vials, which are supplied with a spoon or syringe for accurate dosing of the suspension. One bottle can contain 100 grams (16 doses of 5 ml each), 150 grams (24 doses) or 200 grams (32 doses) of a gray or gray-yellow homogeneous liquid with a strawberry or orange smell and taste. Paracetamol in such a medicine is presented in a dosage of 120 mg / 5 ml and is supplemented with propylene glycol, sucrose, xanthan gum, sorbitol and other ingredients.

Pills... They are usually round and white in color, but can be creamy or yellowish. Such Paracetamol is packaged in blisters and sold in 10, 20 or more pieces in one box. The content of the active ingredient in one tablet can be 200 mg or 500 mg. Depending on the manufacturer, aerosil, starch, povidone, gelatin and other substances act as auxiliary components of the drug. Abroad also produces tablets and capsules containing 325 mg of paracetamol.

Effervescent tablets. In this form, Paracetamol is produced by Hemofarm. The medication is sold in plastic tubes with 10-40 round white tablets inside. Each of them contains paracetamol in a dose of 500 mg, as well as citric acid, silicone emulsion, sodium saccharinate, lactose, lemon flavor and some other compounds. In addition, the same manufacturer offers Paracetamol-S-Hemofarm. These are also effervescent tablets, but they contain only 330 mg of paracetamol per tablet, supplemented with 200 mg of ascorbic acid.

Solution for injections. It is a colorless and transparent liquid packed in 100 ml polyethylene bottles (it can have a light yellow or light pink tint). Each milliliter of this preparation contains 10 mg of paracetamol, supplemented with sodium hydrogen phosphate, mannitol, sterile water and sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid.

A drug called "Paracetamol Extra"... It is presented in two dosages, one of which is suitable for children (there is an inscription "for children" on the packaging of such a medicine). The composition of this drug in the form of a powder packed in portioned sachets with cherry, caramel or orange flavor includes not only paracetamol in a dose of 120 mg, but also ascorbic acid in an amount of 10 mg. One sachet contains 1.5 g of powder, and one box contains 5 to 50 sachets.

There are also pills "Paracetamol Ekstratab". They also include a combination of paracetamol (500 mg per tablet) and ascorbic acid (0.15 g per tablet). Such a medicine has an oblong shape and a white-yellow color, sometimes with marbling. The medication is sold in 5-75 tablets in one box.

Operating principle

Paracetamol has the ability to block enzymes called cyclooxygenases. They are located in the tissues of the central nervous system, so any form of drug affects the center of thermoregulation and the center of pain. At the same time, in peripheral tissues that are inflamed, Paracetamol is unable to act on cyclooxygenase due to the presence of cellular peroxidases.

Because of this, the drug has no significant anti-inflammatory effect, but it also has no negative effect on the exchange of water and salts (the drug does not retain water and sodium), as well as on the digestive tract (the drug does not affect the gastrointestinal mucosa).

Paracetamol in any form is absorbed quickly enough, and its the maximum concentration in the blood is observed after 30-120 minutes after application. The therapeutic effect of rectal suppositories appears after 1.5-2 hours, and the drug in the form of a suspension - after about 15-30 minutes. The metabolic changes of the drug take place in the liver, and the resulting metabolites leave the body in the urine.

Indications

Most often, Paracetamol is used to lower body temperature in case of fever caused by the flu, any childhood infection (chickenpox, scarlet fever, measles, etc.), vaccination or other condition that provoked a rise in body temperature. The drug is also in demand as pain medication with moderate or unexpressed pain, for example, with a headache, if a child has an ear ache with otitis media, a toothache appears, there is some kind of injury or a sore throat with angina.

At what age is it prescribed?

All forms of Paracetamol are contraindicated in children during the neonatal period. For babies 1-3 months, medication in the form of suppositories or suspensions is given only under the supervision of a physician. The use of the drug in infants of this age is justified with a post-vaccination reaction (an increase in temperature due to vaccination), and the drug is used once.

In other cases and for a longer intake, suppositories, depending on the dosage, are used in children aged 3 months to 12 years, choosing the appropriate drug for the dose. The suspension is given to children over three months of age.

The liquid preparation can be used in both schoolchildren and adolescents, but from the age of 6 it is already permissible to replace the suspension with a tablet form. Effervescent tablets should not be given to children under 6 years of age. "Paracetamol Extratab" also allowed from the age of six.

Contraindications

Paracetamol should not be used in children with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the chosen form of medication. The medicine is also not prescribed:

Children with erosive or ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
Patients with intestinal or gastric bleeding.
Children with glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

The suspension cannot be used in children with fructose intolerance, lack of isomaltase and other hereditary problems with the digestion of carbohydrates. Suppositories are not used for rectal inflammation.

The drug is given with caution if the child has liver pathologies, blood diseases, renal failure, bronchial asthma and some other diseases.

Side effects

Paracetamol treatment can cause allergies, which are manifested by itching, rash, skin swelling or other negative symptoms. If they appear, further use of the drug should be abandoned.

Occasionally, taking Paracetamol leads to a violation of the formation of blood cells, which provokes thrombocytopenia or anemia. This negative reaction can occur with long-term treatment. If the sensitivity of the child's body to drugs from the NSAID group is increased, then the use of Paracetamol can lead to bronchospasm. In rare cases, treatment can worsen liver function or affect the digestive system.

Instructions for use

The method of application and the form of the drug are selected taking into account the age of the child, since the dosages in different versions of Paracetamol differ. The medication should be given to children, like adults, at intervals of at least 4 hours.

The duration of use of any form of Paracetamol is limited to three days if the medicine is prescribed to lower the temperature, and 5 days if an analgesic effect is needed. If the medicine has been given for 3 days for fever or five days for pain, but the symptoms are not completely eliminated, further treatment should be addressed with a pediatrician or other doctor who is monitoring the child.

In candlelight

After laying the child down and spreading the buttocks, carefully insert the candle, pushing it with the index finger. If necessary, the candles can be cut into pieces and insert only one of these pieces, or all in turn. It is advisable to administer such a medicine after a natural bowel movement or giving your child an enemaso that the inserted plug does not trigger emptying.

Suppositories Paracetamol is injected into the rectum 2-4 times a day with an interval between use of at least four hours. The dosage of this form is influenced by the patient's body weight and his age. To calculate a single dose, you need to multiply 10-12 mg by the child's weight in kilograms. In this case, the maximum dose is considered to be 60 mg per kilogram of the baby's body weight.

Usually, children 6-12 months are prescribed 50-100 mg, a baby 1-3 years old - 100-150 mg, and a child 3-5 years old - 150-200 mg. A patient 5-10 years old is injected with suppositories with a dosage of 250 mg, and a child 10-12 years old can be inserted with suppositories of 500 mg. Over the age of 12 years, Paracetamol is not used in candles.

In liquid form

Paracetamol in suspension should be shaken before each use so that all components of the solution are evenly distributed in it. It is not required to dilute the medicine with water, but it is advisable to drink it with a sufficient amount of pure water. It is best to take the suspension before meals.

The dosage of this medication is calculated taking into account two parameters - the weight of the child and his age. A one-time norm is 10-15 mg of paracetamol per 1 kilogram of the patient's body weight. The maximum daily dosage, as for suppositories, is considered to be 60 mg of paracetamol per 1 kg of the baby's weight.

In the annotation to the drug, you can see a plate in which there are approximate doses for children with a certain weight. For example, if a child weighs 11 kg, then in this table opposite the value "8-16 kg" we see "5 ml" - this is the amount of suspension and will be a single dosage for such a baby.

The suspension is drawn up with a measuring syringe, which, after swallowing the medicine, must be rinsed and left to dry. Instead of a syringe, the box may contain a plastic double-sided spoon. One side of such a spoon can take 5 ml, and the other - 2.5 ml. After taking the suspension, the spoon should also be washed and dried, and then stored in a box along with the bottle.

In tablets

Paracetamol in solid form is advised to be taken 1-2 hours after a meal with water. The dose of tablets is selected according to age, for example, if a child is 7 years old, one 200 mg tablet is enough for him, and at 13 years of age, at least 500 mg is needed for an admission. The maximum number of tablets is also determined taking into account age: a child 6-9 years old is not given more than 1.5 g, a patient 9-12 years old - more than 2 g, and a teenager over 12 years old - more than 4 g of the active ingredient.

An effervescent tablet is thrown into a glass of water and, when it is completely dissolved, the solution is given to the child. The frequency of application of such Paracetamol is from 1 to 3 times a day. At the age of 6-9 years, only half of the pill is taken at a time, but if necessary, you can use the whole one. The maximum dose per day for patients 6-9 years old is 3 effervescent tablets, for children 9-12 years old - 6 tablets, for adolescents - 12 tablets.

The drug "Paracetamol Extratab" is used in half a tablet 3-4 times a day if the patient's age is 6-12 years. A child over twelve years old, if his weight is more than 50 kg, can be given a whole pill at one time.

Overdose

The first symptoms that appear as a result of taking an excessive dose of Paracetamol usually occur from the digestive tract. This is diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite and other signs of poisoning. After 12 or more hours after an overdose, liver damage may develop, so it is imperative to show the child to a doctor, even if he feels normal. In some cases, a significant excess of the dose of the drug leads to encephalopathy.

Combination with other drugs

You can not give the child at the same time Paracetamol and any other antipyretic drugs that contain paracetamol in their composition, so as not to provoke an overdose. Combined use with anti-inflammatory drugs with another active ingredient (for example, drugs containing ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid) is also not recommended and permissible only after a doctor's appointment.

In addition, there are many drugs from other groups that are not prescribed together with Paracetamol. The entire list of such medicines can be seen in the annotation to the medicine.

Terms of sale

All types of Paracetamol are classified as over-the-counter drugs, so suppositories, tablets, and suspensions can be easily purchased at most pharmacies. The price depends on the chosen form, and on the dosage, and on the manufacturer. For example, for 10 tablets of 200 mg each you need to pay 3 rubles, 200 g of a suspension of Paracetamol for children costs 110-120 rubles, and 10 rectal suppositories of 100 mg each cost about 30 rubles.

Storage features

It is optimal to keep paracetamol in candles in the refrigerator, since the temperature, which is not recommended to be exceeded when storing this dosage form, is 15 degrees Celsius. All other types of Paracetamol do not require low temperatures for long-term storage and can withstand temperatures up to +25 degrees.

The shelf life of most drug options, including effervescent tablets, Extratab and Extra, is 2 years. In this case, the tablet form can be stored for a little longer - 3-5 years, and the suspension - 3 years. After opening the bottle, the shelf life of the suspension is not reduced and it is not necessary to keep the medication in the refrigerator.

Reviews

In most cases of the use of Paracetamol in childhood, parents leave positive reviews about all forms of such a medicine. Its main advantage in comparison with other antipyretic medicines is called safety for children. Wherein the effectiveness of Paracetamol, according to parents, very high. After its application, the temperature drops rather quickly, and the pain decreases or disappears.

Paracetamol in suppositories is praised for its large selection of dosages (it can be used at different ages) and the possibility of using it in children with a pronounced gag reflex. The suspension is considered the most convenient of all dosage forms, noting its ease of dosage, pleasant taste and affordable cost.

Among the disadvantages of Paracetamol, the long onset of the antipyretic effect of suppositories and the short action of any form of the drug are usually mentioned (according to mothers, the effect from use in most cases lasts less than 4 hours). Because of these disadvantages, some parents prefer ibuprofen or alternate between Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

In addition, they also respond negatively to the composition of liquid Paracetamol, since in syrup and suspension chemical additives are present, which mothers call harmful (flavor, etc.). To reduce their negative impact, which is very important when a child is prone to allergies or in infancy, candles are usually preferred.

The portability of Paracetamol, judging by numerous reviews, is mostly good. Side effects are less common and are usually associated with intolerance to the main or auxiliary substances.

Analogs

Any other medicine with the same active ingredient can be used instead of Paracetamol. If you need to replace the candles, then use one of such analogs as Children's Panadol, Tsefekon D or Efferalgan... The dosage of such suppositories is different, so you can easily choose a medication for both babies (you can use Cefekon D) and for an older patient.

To replace Paracetamol in suspension, suitable Children's Panadol, Efferalgan or Calpol. These medicines also have a liquid form and a sweet taste. Any of these drugs, like Paracetamol for children, can be given to children over 3 months old.

If the child is over 6 years old and needs to find an analogue of Paracetamol in tablets, then Panadol or Efferalgan can become such a medicine. Instead of Paracetamol Extra and Extratab, you can use an analogue with the same combination of active ingredients, for example, Efferalgan with Vitamin C (it is available in effervescent tablets) or Grippostad powder (it is prescribed from the age of 15).

If there are reasons to refuse any paracetamol preparations, for example, if you are allergic to it, doctors most often prescribe medications that contain ibuprofen. Their pediatricians, including Komarovsky, also include to drugs that are safe for children.

Such medicines are no less effective in bringing down the temperature and relieve pain, and also have a longer therapeutic effect. For children, Nurofen and Ibuprofen are most often chosen. Both drugs are released in suppositories and suspensions, approved from the age of three months.

In some cases, if the temperature does not decrease or poses a danger to the child, other medicines are used besides Paracetamol or Nurofen. Often in such a situation they call an ambulance and the child is administered lytic mixture, which quickly eliminates the fever. This mixture usually contains Analgin and Suprastin. Such drugs are often supplemented No-shpaif the baby's skin is cold to the touch and pale (the drug relieves vasospasm).