Analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatories for the treatment of colds
In cold infections of the respiratory tract - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic drugs are used in the first place. These include: acetylsalicylic acid (so-called salicylates), paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. Salicylates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs acting peripherally, exert anti-pyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Such agents can be used by the majority of patients, including, for example, paracetamol and ibuprofen (in appropriate doses) - by children over 6 months of age.
Paracetamol - a specialist in reducing fever
Paracetamol is a medicine that specializes in lowering fever. It acts directly on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center exerting antipyretic activity. Paracetamol is also a painkiller. In colds or flu, paracetamol relieves headaches, throats and bone and muscle pain associated with infection. Its beneficial effect is felt after 30-60 minutes after administration and lasts about 4 hours on a balanced, optimal for the body level.
Paracetamol - safe for children
For children who are under 12 years of age, we generally treat a cold with paracetamol. We can also use a stronger agent to fight inflammation - eg ibuprofen. Paracetamol is very well tolerated by young children if proper dosage is observed. The baby's liver will not "notice" this drug because it does not have enzymes that break down it. Therefore, paracetamol is much less toxic for young children than for adults due to the less intense metabolism of liver cells in children, thanks to which paracetamol almost never undergoes transformation into toxic substances. Thus, the risk of liver damage in children is negligible.
Medicinal properties of paracetamol
Why do we recommend paracetamol (and ibuprofen) instead of, for example, acetylsalicylic acid? Because acetylsalicylic acid and other salicylates can contribute to the Reye syndrome. This disease, although rare, poses a threat to the child's life. It usually occurs several days after having had flu or chickenpox - when the child was previously given acetylsalicylic acid to relieve symptoms and reduce fever. Paracetamol also relieves gum pain in babies during teething.
How do you dose paracetamol?
The drug should not be administered chronically, but limited to a few days when the fever usually falls. If the fever does not go down, it is essential that you consult your doctor for further treatment. The correct dosage should be strictly followed, as taking too high doses may cause serious health complications. A poorly dosed dose may cause nephritis, methemoglobinemia and non-myeloid anemia. Strict medical supervision is required in patients with liver or kidney disorders. At the correct dosage adverse side effects are very rare (redness of the skin, rash).
How does ibuprofen work?
The feature of drugs with this medicinal substance is a long time of action. Ibuprofen has a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic and antipyretic effects. It works well in the symptomatic treatment of colds and flu, because it effectively relieves the symptoms of fever and headaches, muscles, joints, etc. Ibuprofen helps in flu complications - in sinusitis. In addition, it is used in rheumatic pains and diseases, in pains associated with spinal overloads, as well as in post-traumatic pains and neuralgia. It is also effective in relieving menstrual discomfort, headaches and teeth.Although ibuprofen, like any preparation from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause stomach and duodenum ulceration - the risk is much lower than when using acetylsalicylic acid. Ibuprofen is one of the best-tolerated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, children under 6 months should not take ibuprofen without consulting a doctor. The drug may, however, like all other agents in this group, increase the effect of the preparations that reduce clotting. Due to the good tolerability and the rarity of side effects, ibuprofen is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Anti-rheumatic Union. Contraindications to taking ibuprofen are: active peptic ulcer, asthma and allergy.
What properties does naproxen have?
Naproxen sodium, (acute naproxen) shows high efficacy in fighting the inflammatory process and in reducing fever. The indications for use are: flu, cold and other viral infections of inflammation and fever. Also low or medium intensity pains, eg accompanying the above-mentioned infections with fever. In addition, pains associated with menstruation, migraine, dental diseases, trauma to soft tissues and bones, joint diseases. The unquestionable advantage of naproxen is its long duration of action. The drug works for 12 hours, so you only need to take it twice a day. At doses up to 200 mg, it is intended for self-treatment of fever, inflammation and pain. The drug used as indicated is safe, however, as with other NSAIDs the main contraindications to its use (contained in the leaflet, which should be read carefully!) Are: stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer, blood coagulation disorders, (like acid acetylsalicylic!). Caution should be given to patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency.
Warning against salicylates used in children
Children under 12 are recommended paracetamol, or ibuiprofen, rather than acetylsalicylic acid. We avoid acetylsalicylic acid because it can contribute to the occurrence of so-called Reye's team. This disease, although rare, poses a threat to the child's life. It usually occurs several days after influenza or chickenpox, when the child is given acetylsalicylic acid to relieve symptoms and reduce fever.
Attention to parents of children to be allergic to antipyretics!
If you have ever noticed the coughing of your child after taking any of the painkillers and anti-inflammatories to reduce fever - paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. - discontinue the medicine and inform your doctor immediately. It is necessary to read the leaflet before giving the medicine to your child, and follow the instructions.
oprac.red. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Literature:
1. Inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and throat in children - prof. dr hab. med Grażyna Niedzielska from the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Medical Academy in Lublin; Medycyna Rodzinna 8 (4/1999)
2. Throat inflammation in children - Dr n. Med. Teresa Oleniacz; Department of Audiology, Phoniatrics and Laryngology IP-CZD; Warsaw; Health Service No. 3-4 2001
3. The role of purulent streptococci in pharyngitis and tonsillitis, Danuta Dzierżanowska, Lek_Sandoz-2004 website
4. Apothecary counseling - Treatment of colds - Doc. dr hab. Jadwiga Leszczyńska - Gazeta Farmaceutyczna 2000.
5. Cold and its treatment - Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Danysz, MD Adam Kwiecienski; New drugs, 1996
6. Natural treatment of colds - Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Danysz; My health; 1998
7. Encyclopedia of Medicines of Practical Medicine - online
8. Pharmindex
9. How to avoid winter infection. Dr n. Med. Janusz Ciok - publication of lapharma.info
