What are the Chinese medicines for reducing fever in children?

Children have relatively low immunity, and are very susceptible to colds and fevers, especially in winter. Children must take antipyretic medicine in time to lower their body temperature. If they delay treatment for too long, it will cause other diseases with very serious consequences. Common antipyretic medicines for children include ibuprofen and aspirin. These medicines have obvious antipyretic effects and are extremely fast. They are also relatively safe to use and will not cause adverse reactions.

1. Aspirin

Note: Not for use under 16 years old

This is the longest-used antipyretic drug. It has a strong antipyretic effect, but also has significant side effects. It can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and may even induce ulcers. The UK has clearly stipulated that aspirin is prohibited for children under the age of 16. Currently, this drug is being phased out in domestic pediatrics.

2. Acetaminophen

Note: It is relatively safe and can be kept at home

That is, paracetamol, which is currently the most commonly used antipyretic drug in pediatric clinical practice and is a relatively safe antipyretic drug. It has a rapid antipyretic effect and few adverse reactions, so it can be kept at home. Representative medicines include Pediatric Motrin Syrup, Pediatric Baifuning Drops, etc.

3. Bupleurum injection

An injection extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Bupleurum, which has a slow and weak antipyretic effect and few side effects. The specification is 2 ml per vial. For children under 3 years old, 1/3 to 1/2 vial should be injected intramuscularly each time, and for children over 4 years old, one vial should be injected each time.

4. Ibuprofen

Note: Suitable for children over 6 months old and adults for antipyretic and analgesic use

Ibuprofen is a newer pediatric antipyretic drug that is safe and effective, has significant antipyretic and analgesic effects, has few side effects, and causes less gastrointestinal irritation than acetaminophen. The representative drug is Ton oral solution.

5. Lysine

Usage: intramuscular injection or intravenous injection. For children, take 10 to 25 mg/kg of body weight per day, divided into 2 doses.

Advantages: strong antipyretic effect, rapid onset, mild and long-lasting effect, and can avoid gastrointestinal irritation caused by oral aspirin and ibuprofen. Since ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both tablets, aqueous solutions, and suspensions (drops), and do not have intravenous or intramuscular injection forms, doctors often choose these drugs for children who have difficulty taking oral medications.

Disadvantages: Because it contains aspirin, long-term use may induce Reye's syndrome, and some may induce anaphylactic shock and severe asthma attacks. Therefore, children under the age of 16 should use it with caution, and be careful to inquire about their allergy history when using it.

Note: This type of drug has obvious dose dependence, that is, the efficacy increases with the increase of dose, so overdose should be avoided, otherwise it will cause liver damage.

6. Nimesulide (use with caution)

Note: High risk, use with caution; not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Nimesulide has significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. However, recent reports have shown that nimesulide has an extremely high risk of causing severe liver damage and should be used with caution. From 2002 to 2005, countries such as Spain, Türkiye and Ireland withdrew the drug from the market.

7. Compound aminopyrine

Note: Not for use in infants and young children; use with caution in older children

Also known as Antongding, it is an injection and one of the most commonly used powerful antipyretic drugs in clinical practice. Potentially induces acute hemolytic anemia and risk of side effects such as rash. If the dose of this product is too large, the child will sweat excessively, the body temperature will drop suddenly, and it may easily cause collapse.

8. Analgin

Note: Do not use unless in an emergency as it may cause cross-allergic reaction with aspirin.

The antipyretic effect of Analgin is obvious and rapid, but the side effects are also very obvious. Some patients are allergic to the drug and may even go into shock or die. Therefore, it is only used for emergency fever reduction when there is acute high fever, severe illness, and no other antipyretic drugs are available. Currently, 27 countries have banned or restricted the use of analgin, but some hospitals in China are still using it, which deserves our high attention.