Specialist from the Department of Child Health and Diseases said that unconscious use of antipyretic drugs can have serious consequences. Dr. Pınar Balgöz said, "Taking antipyretic drugs in higher doses than recommended or repeating them frequently can cause severe poisoning, organ damage and, in rare but serious cases, death. Overdose of paracetamol can lead to the accumulation of a toxic metabolite in the liver and damage to liver cells. In severe cases, acute liver failure may develop. Medicines such as ibuprofen can cause kidney damage, especially in children with dehydration. Therefore, antipyretics should not be seen as harmless products; the right drug, the right dose." "We must comply with the principles of correct implementation," he said.
'WHEN DETERMINING THE DOSE, THE CHILD'S WEIGHT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED'
Expert explains the common mistakes made by parents. Dr. Balgöz said, "Families can make mistakes such as giving the medicine at shorter intervals than recommended, repeating the dose every time the fever rises, and not keeping track of the total amount of medicine given during the day. Using different medicines containing the same active ingredient together may unknowingly cause overdose. In determining the medicine dose in children, weight is often taken as a basis. In addition to the child's weight, the age of the child, the active ingredient of the medicine, the concentration of the syrup and the maximum daily dose limit should also be taken into account. The same dose calculation is not valid for every medicine. Two different syrups in the same volume may contain different amounts of active ingredients. Therefore "It is not enough to just know how many milliliters of medicine is given; it is also necessary to control the amount of active ingredient contained in the product."
'A MEASURING INJECTOR SHOULD BE USED INSTEAD OF A KITCHEN SPOON'
Expert says that measuring the drug correctly is as important as calculating the dose. Dr. Balgöz said, "Dinner and dessert spoons used at home do not provide standard measurements. The amount of medicine given may vary depending on the size of the spoon and the way it is filled. The measuring syringe in the medicine box should be used. Families need to follow the amount and time given in each application, and re-check the concentration of the product when a new bottle is opened. Giving different active ingredients such as paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time may make it difficult to monitor the dose and time. Using these drugs alternately is not a practice routinely recommended for every child. In some cases, it is appropriate for the physician to use them." "It may be seen, but families should not start such an application on their own decision. It is not right to give an additional dose or switch to another syrup in a short time just because the fever does not go down immediately. The dose, application intervals and daily upper limit of the medicine recommended by the doctor should be followed."
'SYMPTOMS SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED IN CASE OF SUSPECT OF OVERDOSE'
Expert stated that symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and weakness may be seen in drug poisoning. Dr. Balgöz warned families that there may not be any obvious findings in the first hours, especially in paracetamol poisoning. Specialist Dr. Balgöz said, "Just because the child appears well at the beginning does not mean that there is no danger. Symptoms of liver damage may appear within hours or days. Parents should not wait for the symptoms to appear when they realize that they have given more medication than recommended or when they are not sure about the amount given. They should seek medical evaluation immediately. In case of a change of consciousness, seizure, difficulty in breathing or if the child cannot be woken up, 112 should be called. When applying to a health institution, it is important to take the box or bottle of the medicine and share the amount given and the application times. To induce vomiting at home." "It should not be attempted," he said.
'ASSESSING THE GENERAL CONDITION OF THE CHILD IS AS IMPORTANT AS REDUCING THE FEVER'
Expert states that fever is mostly a part of the immune response against infections. Dr. Balgöz said, "Fever is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying condition. The main purpose of using antipyretics should not be to normalize the body temperature under all circumstances, but to reduce the child's pain and discomfort. In this process, supporting the child's rest, offering fluids at frequent intervals, choosing comfortable clothes and preventing the environment from being too hot are among the supportive approaches. Methods such as cold showers, ice application, wiping with alcohol or vinegar should not be used. Especially in babies younger than three months, a fever of 38°C and above should be medically evaluated without delay." "In the presence of symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, neck stiffness, rash that does not fade when pressed, seizures, pronounced tendency to sleep, or inability to drink fluids, urgent evaluation is required. It is important to consult a physician if the fever persists or the general condition of the child worsens."
