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Fever is mainly caused by bacterial, viral, fungal and yeast infections. But they can also be the result of reactions to certain pharmacological agents (also known as drug fever). Fever can be controlled with medication, so how long is the safe interval between taking antipyretics? Please refer to the following article.
1. How many degrees is considered a fever?
Body temperature is a measure of the amount of heat present in the body. Body temperature represents the balance between heat production in tissues and heat loss to the surroundings. Each individual will have a different temperature and depending on the environment. However, they will remain within a specific range known as normal body temperature. This temperature is usually between 36.1 degrees Celsius and 37.2 degrees Celsius, with an average temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. When above 37.5 degrees Celsius is considered a fever.
When there are signs of an increase in body temperature, it is recommended that you use a thermometer for accurate temperature measurement and follow the measurement procedures recommended by the manufacturer. Temperature can be measured in the temples, armpits (under the arms), mouth, hypogastric region, or rectum.
2. When to use antipyretic drugs?
Mild cases of fever below 38 degrees Celsius are usually less harmful. Therefore, if you do not feel too tired and uncomfortable, you should not take fever-reducing drugs. Because when taking antipyretic drugs will change the natural course of the disease. This affects the process of monitoring the results of specific treatment drugs. In this case, only treatment is needed to rule out the cause of the fever. In case the fever is higher than 39 degrees Celsius, it is necessary to reduce the fever.
For children from 3 to 6 months old and above, when the temperature is over 38 degrees Celsius, they need medical treatment as soon as possible. For infants under three months of age, immediate hospitalization is required if the baby's temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius.
The goals of fever treatment are: Reduce discomfort and bring body temperature down to normal. However, the most important thing is to identify and treat the underlying cause of the fever.
Treatment of fever will include the use of various OTC (over-the-counter) antipyretics as well as a range of non-pharmacological measures.
Some non-drug measures to lower the temperature include:
Apply warm towels to the forehead, armpits and groin areas Take off some clothes for ventilation Drink isotonic saline to cool the body.
3. How long is the interval between 2 doses of antipyretic medicine?
One of the reasons why antipyretic drugs are ineffective and toxic is not using the correct interval between times and courses of medication. Each antipyretic drug will have a different duration of action. Therefore, depending on the type you are taking, the time you should take the antipyretics apart will be different.
Normally, the interval between each dose is 4 to 6 hours. Do not use antipyretic drugs in a row within 4 hours. Because this can easily lead to dangerous poisoning, even death, due to the wrong use of antipyretics.
The prescribed dose for paracetamol antipyretic:
For adults:
The usual dose is 325 mg to 650 mg. Drink every 4 to 6 hours. Use up to 4 times in a 24-hour period. The maximum dose may vary from 3,000 mg to 4,000 mg. However, no more than 4,000 mg should be taken in a 24-hour period. Follow all directions on the medicine label For children : Over-the-counter fever reducers will have a "Drug Information" label on the package. On the label you'll find instructions for your child's age or weight, the allowable dose, and how often. If you give medicine to young children, follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist about the amount of medicine to give to your child. Do not use the medicine if your child is allergic to it.
So the information about the interval between 2 doses of antipyretic drugs has now been answered. If you still have any questions, please contact Vinmec doctor for advice and answers.
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