Paracetamol for children

According to the international nomenclature of chemical substances IUPAC the drug "Paracetamol" belongs to the group of anilides, it has the name N- (4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide, its formula is C8H9NO2. It refers to non-narcotic analgesics and antipyretics, has an analgesic and antipyretic effect, as well as a weak anti-inflammatory effect, so it has no side effects characteristic of NSAID preparations. The drug "Paracetamol" for children is available as a suspension for ingestion with a content of 24 mg / ml of the active substance (the analogue of this drug is "Prohodol" for children). It goes on sale in bottles of dark glass with a dosage spoon with a capacity of 5 ml, sometimes parents replace it with a regular teaspoon, allowing a change in dosage. This is due to the fact that the volume of tea spoons is different and does not always correspond to the prescribed dose.

Keep the drug, like other medicines, should be out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet. The safety and effectiveness of Paracetamol are well studied and clinically tested. It is included in the WHO Essential Drug List. The drug Paracetamol for children is able to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, exerting a predominant effect on the hypothalamus (more precisely, on the center of thermoregulation). Indications for use are: mild and moderate pain, including headache and dental pain (so it is often prescribed to children to alleviate the symptoms associated with teething). Also, the Paracetamol child's agent effectively reduces heat and weakens the febrile syndrome. Dosage regimen should be optimal and recommended by the doctor depending on the age (there is a strict graduation, starting at the age of two months).

In order to exclude side effects, it is only necessary to use Paracetamol for children as prescribed by the doctor. The instruction contains warnings about the dangers of the drug during its overdose. It is believed that this drug is safe, side effects are rare, if not exceed the maximum recommended dose. But with an overdose, the medicine can be very dangerous. Elevated reception of "Paracetamol" can occur by mistake, but some people deliberately take large doses. As a result, the liver is damaged, the patient may even die from it. With a large overdose there is no immediate effect, the patient can feel fine for a while, but the medicine kills him slowly for several days or weeks. If you suspect a drug overdose, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The risk of side effects occurs when doses are exceeded and for prolonged use. They are expressed by nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects. Paracetamol, a child, is usually allowed to take with other medicines. For example, if a child takes antibiotics to treat an ear infection, you can continue to give paracetamol, only a prerequisite is the appointment of a doctor who is informed of all medications taken by the patient. Special care should be taken if other drugs containing N- (4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide are used to relieve pain and fever, as some cold remedies contain several components, including this active substance. Usually, Paracetamol is not prescribed to children in tablets, but if the patient's condition requires it, then only the doctor can do it when the child reaches a certain age (not younger than six years) and at a lower dosage compared to an adult.

This article or instruction on the drug can not serve as a recommendation for its use, since it can only be prescribed by a doctor.