Ibuprofen vs acetaminophen in children

Article Abstract:

The use of aspirin in children with a viral infection has been associated with the development of Reyes syndrome, a potentially fatal disease affecting many of the body's organ systems. To reduce the risk of developing this syndrome, acetaminophen has been recommended instead of aspirin for treating fever and flu-like symptoms in children. Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) has recently become available as an oral suspension, which can be given to children for the treatment of fever and arthritis, or joint inflammation. Ibuprofen decreases pain, fever, and inflammation by preventing the production of prostaglandins, fatty acid compounds that cause these symptoms. Ibuprofen was shown to be equally or more effective than acetaminophen in 127 children with fever. Among 45 children with pain after a tooth extraction, ibuprofen was as effective as acetaminophen and codeine in relieving pain. Ibuprofen can cause dyspepsia or painful digestion, nausea, vomiting, and other toxic effects in the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and other organ systems. In a study of 39 children who took ibuprofen overdoses, three had abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, one had toxic effects in the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, and one had vomiting, lethargy, metabolic acidosis and transient apnea, or lack of breathing. The dosage and cost of ibuprofen are described. In children ibuprofen is as effective as acetaminophen in treating fever and pain, although its toxicity has yet to be fully determined. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Fever in children, Childhood fever, Dosage and administration, Pain in children, Pediatric pain

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Adverse effects of aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen on immune function, viral shedding, and clinical status in rhinovirus-infected volunteers

Article Abstract:

Previous studies have suggested that aspirin may suppress immune function in people with rhinovirus infections (the virus that causes the common cold), thereby increasing the amount of virus shed and prolonging infection. However, a subsequent report showed no difference in virus shedding during treatment with aspirin or placebo. Other studies have shown that aspirin inhibits antibody formation and antibody response to invading pathogens. Therefore, the effects of three common analgesic and antipyretic (temperature-lowering) drugs, aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, on virus shedding, immune response and clinical status were evaluated. Fifty-six volunteers were successfully infected, intranasally, with rhinovirus, and were shedding virus. All three medications significantly reduced antibody titers (blood levels of antibody for fighting infection) and increased nasal symptoms of rhinovirus infection when compared with placebo. Also, an increase in circulating monocytes (a type of white blood cell) was observed in all three drug-treated groups. The increased levels of circulating monocytes were related to the suppressed antibody response in the drug-treated groups. No significant difference in viral shedding was observed in the treated and untreated groups. However, in the aspirin and acetaminophen groups virus shedding lasted longer than in the placebo group. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Rhinoviruses

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Acetaminophen, NSAIDS and alcohol

Article Abstract:

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may cause liver damage if coupled with chronic alcohol use. Drinkers should avoid regular use of NSAIDS, such as Tylenol, Advil, Bayer, Actron, or Aleve. Maximum doses of acetaminophen are recommended at four grams (g), reaching toxic levels below 10 g. Other side effects include stomach bleeding, ulceration and perforation. All NSAIDS can cause fatal bleeding. A table lists the most common NSAIDS with average and maximum dosage recommendations for adults, including formulation details.

Injuries, Complications and side effects, Liver, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, Alcoholism, Alcoholic myopathy

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