'Fever reducer' claim in the death of a three-year-old child! Overdose is life threatening

Didem Seymen - The misuse of antipyretic syrups, which came to the fore after the death of a 3-year-old girl in Istanbul, has brought drug safety in children into discussion again. Prof. from Memorial Göztepe Hospital Department of Child Health and Diseases. Dr. Haluk Çokuğraş and Specialist from Memorial Şişli Hospital, Department of Child Health and Diseases. Dr. Esin Kantekin told families what they should pay attention to in the care of children with fever.

High dose warning

Prof. Dr. Çokuğraş stated that flu and upper respiratory tract infections are more common in children with the start of the school term, and said, "Fever due to infections causes families to turn to antipyretic syrups more. Parents who want to reduce their children's fever, giving medications more frequently than recommended and spontaneously increasing the dose may create serious health risks." Çokuğraş stated that using high doses of syrups containing paracetamol can cause severe damage to the liver, and excessive use of drugs containing ibuprofen active ingredient can lead to kidney damage and gastrointestinal system problems, and made the following warnings: "Fever-reducing syrups should not be seen as simple and harmless products; the correct dose and correct usage interval should be taken into consideration. Age, weight, the active ingredient of the drug and the density of the syrup should be taken into consideration when determining the drug dose. Flu drugs sold under different trade names and Antipyretics may contain the same active ingredient and may lead to unknowingly taking high doses. Re-administering medication before the recommended dose range is reached, adjusting the measurement by eye, and using a kitchen spoon are also important mistakes.

'Don't wait, go to the doctor'

Prof. Dr. Haluk Çokuğraş warned, "In paracetamol poisoning, there may not be any obvious symptoms at the beginning, which may delay the families' awareness of the danger. If the drug dose is suspected to be exceeded, urgent medical help should be sought without waiting for symptoms. The dose and time given should be recorded, and more than one product containing the same active ingredient should not be used together. If there is shortness of breath, change of consciousness, significant weakness, inability to drink fluids or a rapid deterioration in the general condition, urgent evaluation is required. In babies younger than three months, a fever of 38 degrees and above requires medical evaluation without delay."

'High fever of 38 degrees and above'

Specialist from Memorial Şişli Hospital, Department of Child Health and Diseases. Dr. Esin Kantekin stated that when evaluating fever in children, one should not focus only on the value on the thermometer. Kantekin said, "The important thing is to pay attention to the general condition of your child, not to the number on the thermometer. In general, a body temperature of 38 degrees and above is considered a high fever." Kantekin listed the precautions that can be taken at home to reduce the child's fever as follows:

-Support your child's fluid intake.

-Do not dress your child too thickly, prefer thin and comfortable clothes.

-Prepare a calm environment that will help him rest.

-Make sure that the room it is in is not too hot or cold.

-Fever-reducing drugs should be used in children in doses determined according to weight, age and the content of the product.

-The dose of the drug is not determined solely by age.

-A measuring tool supplied with medication should be preferred instead of a kitchen spoon.”