How to choose antipyretics if infected with COVID-19 and have a fever? What should the elderly and children pay attention to?
At present, the COVID-19 epidemic in China continues to spread, and we are in the most difficult moment of fighting the epidemic! At the same time, as the virulence of the mutated strain of Omicron decreases, the topic of whether the epidemic situation will be released has been heatedly discussed. As the general public, it is very necessary to know more about the knowledge of COVID-19 virus infection, in case of emergency!
The most common symptom of novel coronavirus infection is fever. Most patients show low or moderate fever. Patients with weakened body immunity may develop persistent high fever. Fever can cause a series of uncomfortable symptoms such as headache and fatigue. Therefore, when infected with COVID- At 19 o'clock, taking appropriate antipyretic drugs can relieve discomfort, which is relatively easy for adults, but how to use antipyretics reasonably for the elderly and children?
What are the fever-reducing medicines?
Commonly used clinical antipyretic drugs are acetaminophen , also known as paracetamol, which belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Representative drugs include Tylenol, Baifuning, etc. Their pharmacological effects are to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, and have antipyretic and analgesic effects Because of the rapid and complete absorption of the drug, quick onset, and few adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal tract, the International Health Organization recommends that patients over 2 months can take it. High, so many people do not want to take it.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen belong to the same category, and the representative drugs include Merrill Lynch, Tianqian, Reke, etc. They are antipyretics for children unanimously recommended by the WHO and the US FDA. Compared with acetaminophen, in addition to having obvious antipyretic and analgesic effects, it has fewer adverse reactions and is safer. The duration of antipyretic can be as high as 8 hours, and it has a better effect on high fever.
For fever caused by COVID-19 infection, some European countries have reported that the body temperature of COVID-19 patients after taking ibuprofen to reduce fever not only did not drop but aggravated, but such research still lacks strong evidence to support it. The mechanism of action between fen and the COVID-19 virus needs further research and verification. In addition, Chinese scientists recommend that Chinese patent medicines such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Capsules, Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, and Jinhua Qinggan Granules can also be used to improve symptoms such as fever and fatigue of COVID-19, but there is no information on the usage and dosage of the elderly and children in the drug instructions. records.
What should the elderly and children pay attention to when using antipyretics?
The elderly and children should pay more attention to the infection of COVID-19, because their own immunity is relatively weak. At the same time, they need to choose drugs according to their characteristics and pay attention to the usage and dosage:
1) The elderly: pay attention to elderly friends with a history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and use new antipyretic drugs such as celecoxib with caution, which may induce recurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It is relatively safer to choose traditional antipyretic drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Many drugs for the elderly lack clinical trial data. The above antipyretic drugs are often used in a timely manner according to the height, weight, age, liver and kidney function of the elderly, combined with drug instructions. Elderly people over 60 years old take 1/3 of the conventional dose. 2 to 1/3, it is relatively safe to use under the guidance of a doctor.
2) Children: acetaminophen or ibuprofen recommended by the World Health Organization for antipyretic pharmacists in children. The body surface area method is often used in clinical medicine for children. It is known that in addition to oral drugs, suppositories and antipyretic patches will be better choices, which can greatly reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and improve medication compliance.
Finally , I would like to remind everyone that antipyretic drugs should be used in accordance with the instructions under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, and at the same time pay attention to drinking more hot water, exercising, and physical cooling to assist treatment.
references:
[1] Expert consensus on prevention and treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia with Chinese patent medicines [J]. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 2022,42(03):294-297.
[2] Jia Rong, Xing Haisheng, Li Xiaoyan, Li Limin. Rational application of antipyretic drugs in children [J]. Chinese Community Physician, 2016,32(27):23+25.