Tag: medication

Diarrhoea: Dehydration Can Be Prevented with Sugar and Salt Solution

by Sheila Adams, posted in Health & Pharma

Who doesn’t reach for the diarrhoea tablets when you aren’t feeling 100%? Diarrhoea is an unpleasant ailment and while it isn’t usually the most severe sickness you can have it still poses a risk. One of the more serious aspects of diarrhoea is dehydration. Of course, you don’t always associate dehydration with diarrhoea, however, it is a real possibility, nonetheless. Remember, your body cannot retain fluids as they pass through the body so quickly. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent dehydration. So, can a simple sugar and salt solution prevent dehydration, and how to deal with diarrhoea?

Preventing Dehydration

While it might seem remarkably simple, mixing salt (half a teaspoon), sugar (eight teaspoons), and water (one litre) can be a lifesaver. You can sip this solution throughout the day and hopefully help prevent dehydration from occurring. It’s not a complicated solution to make and could be useful when you’ve had diarrhoea for several days. Of course, diarrhoea tablets may help ease the symptoms, but you can still lose fluids.

The Problem with Diarrhoea

Your body retains fluids, but when you use the bathroom, you lose them. Of course, their body is still able to retain some of those fluids; however, diarrhoea changes all that. Since you are in the bathroom throughout the day, whatever fluids you’d normally retain is lost. That puts your body in a dangerous position because it leaves you vulnerable to dehydration. Diarrhoea tablets may ease the excessiveness, unfortunately, you might still be dehydrated. When dehydration occurs, a number of things could happen within the body and in some rare cases death occurs. This is a risk for anyone, especially babies. More details!

Prevention Is a Necessity

In all honesty, it’s easy to pick up a winter bug. There are, in fact, certain seasons in the year where vomiting and diarrhoea are common; however, you can take precautions. For instance, maintain good cleanliness and hygiene. When you’re preparing food, keep the outside door closed to help prevent bugs from coming in and contaminating the food. Always cook food correctly and avoid out-of-date foods that pose a risk to your wellbeing. It’s important to understand that diarrhoea tablets are a useful tool to combat the problem; however, prevention is key. You can take simple precautions to protect yourself and others.

Contact a Doctor at the First Sign of Dehydration

You can use diarrhoea tablets and take plenty of fluids; however, if the diarrhoea is severe, you may struggle to retain fluids – even with a sugar and salt solution. It could be better to contact a doctor or seek emergency care if you or a loved one shows signs of dehydration. It might be nothing, however, it’s best to be on the safe side. Dehydration can sneak up so fast and can impact the body in little time. It doesn’t take days or weeks to become seriously ill from dehydration; it could happen within a few hours. That’s why it’s essential to contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Take Care, Use Diarrhoea Tablets, And Seek Help When Necessary

In some cases, a few tablets that are meant to stop diarrhoea will be enough to ease the problem. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, and you have to be extremely cautious of dehydration. It’s easy to believe dehydration isn’t possible because you’re drinking water; however, it’s still possible. With diarrhoea, you’re going to the bathroom often and losing fluids. You’ll lose salt and it can cause dehydration so quickly. Knowing how to prevent and care for yourself when you have diarrhoea could prevent dehydration. Use diarrhoea tablets and go to the emergency room if you suspect dehydration. Read our another article: https://www.thecarryingkind.com/the-five-factors-that-make-you-at-risk-for-hypothyroidism/

What Are the Best Anti-Diarrheal Drugs That Work Best?

by Sheila Adams, posted in Health & Pharma

An anti-diarrheal is a medicine used to slow down or stop loose stools. Over counter, Anti-Diarrheal Drugs are detected in most pharmacies or can be prescribed by a doctor. Antidiarrheals are used for acute conditions that are not life-threatening. Taking an anti-diarrheal drug will not treat the fundamental cause such as an inflammation or infection, but it can help with the uneasiness that comes from having repeated watery bowel movements.

Diarrhea occurs a few times a year for most adults and goes away on its own. Anti-diarrheal drugs are perhaps not required in these cases, particularly if the reason for the diarrhea is unknown. Consult with a physician about using a Diarrhea Tablet if it lasts more than a few days or if it causes dehydration. Before using an anti-diarrheal drug, people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should always consult a doctor.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

Anti-diarrheal medications are generally not prescribed to treat inflammatory bowel disease since this does not treat the inflammation that causes diarrhea. Particularly, antidiarrheal medications in ulcerative colitis have been connected to a rare but serious condition known as toxic megacolon. It is less common in people with Crohn’s disease.

Anti-diarrheal drugs should be used who have inflammatory bowel disease under the supervision and direction of a gastroenterologist. People who have had J-Pouch Surgery can be recommended to use these Diarrhea Tablets, particularly during recovery from the final surgery once the J-Pouch is linked. Several people with J-Pouches can use anti-diarrheal drugs long-term, though others can use them just when required when they have too many bowel movements a day for a few reasons. Read our another article: https://www.thecarryingkind.com/is-it-a-migraine-heres-how-to-tell/

Types of Anti-Diarrheal Medications

Anti-diarrheal drugs are prepared from two key ingredients – Bismuth Subsalicylate and Loperamide. These anti-diarrheal drugs work in various ways.

1. Loperamide

Loperamide which can be bought without a prescription slows down the speed as well as a number of intestinal contractions that have the effect of slowing down diarrhea. Loperamide side effects can include abdominal pain, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. People who have these side effects may catch that they are unable to drive or perform other activities that need concentration while taking Loperamide.

If you have not used it before or are not used to taking it regularly, avoid driving as well as operating heavy machinery until you recognize how it affects you. Several people with J-Pouches use this Diarrhea Tablet regularly as well as may get a prescription from a doctor.

2. Bismuth Subsalicylate

Bismuth Subsalicylate found in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate is best known for treating an upset stomach. However, it works as an anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory as well as it can constrain the spread of certain strains of bacteria that cause diarrhea.

It works to slow diarrhea by decreasing the amount of water that enters the intestines. Pepto-Bismol side effects include black stools, constipation, or a black tongue. Pepto-Bismol overdoses can be risky, so do not double up the doses and just take the prescribed amount.

Last Words

Diarrhea that is accompanied by fever or goes on for more than several days, severe abdominal pain, blood, or pus in the stool is one reason to call a doctor immediately. Not being able to keep down any liquid or food is one more cause to look for immediate medical attention. Mostly, the bacteria will disappear from the body in some days, even though it may take several days for it to return to normal. Diarrhea should not be continuous. So when it continues for a long time, it is time for a doctor to check out it and see if anything else happens. More details!

The Four Things You Need to Know About Allergies

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health, Lifestyle

Allergies and anaphylaxis continue to be a growing problem in Australia. According to research, more than four million Australians suffer from a form of allergic disease, and that number continues to rise every year. With such common prevalence, it’s very important to learn these four things about allergies and what you can do to treat them. Here’s everything you need to know about allergies.

 

What causes allergies?

Allergens are the primary culprits of allergies, and they can come from different substances in the environment. It could be from mould, dander, pollen or dust that causes your immune system to initiate a reaction through inflammation in your skin, airways, sinuses and even digestive system. This is then manifested by symptoms such as itching, wheezing, and sneezing, and it could range from mild to severe depending on the number of allergens in your system.

 

What are the most common symptoms of allergies?

The symptoms of allergies depend on which part of your body is exposed to the allergen. For instance, food allergies are commonly manifested by rashes, hives, and swelling that could start showing within minutes after ingesting the allergen. In some cases, food allergies could lead to anaphylactic shock if not addressed right away. If you’re experiencing crashes caused by allergies, you need to have Sigmacort cream on hand every time to treat the rashes right away. If you inhale the allergens, your allergy could manifest through nasal congestion, sneezing, and, eventually, breathing difficulties.

 

Who is at risk for developing allergies?

Anyone is at risk for developing allergies, and you can experience them at any time in your life. Some people may even be surprised that they’re suddenly allergic to shrimps when it didn’t bother them before. However, people who have a family history of allergies are more likely to develop them than those who don’t. This means that if you’re allergic, there’s a good chance that your children will develop it too. 

 

How do you diagnose an allergy?

If you start noticing that you develop rashes when you eat seafood or you sneeze a lot when your pet is around, you could be experiencing an allergy. The best way to know if you have one or not is to seek medical consultation because allergies can vary from person to person, and you’ll need different tests to diagnose allergies and, more importantly, what triggers them. But it would be wise to take note of your symptoms and the times they appear. You should also observe some things that trigger an allergic reaction like a new skincare product, a new pet in the house, or a new perfume.

 

Allergies can take a toll on you, especially if you don’t know how to address them right. So if you’re experiencing any form of allergies, make sure to consult with a doctor right away. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s causing your allergies and what types of medications you need to have on hand to treat them whenever they appear.

What Do You Need in Your Medicine Cabinet?

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health & Pharma, Lifestyle

No one in the family needs to be sick for you to have a medicine cabinet at home. Whether it’s a proper cabinet or a simple box, this emergency go-to kit will allow you to be more prepared when sickness suddenly strikes and you don’t have access to immediate medical help. But what exactly should you store in your medicine cabinet?

 

  • Decongestants

Colds are very common in Australia. Adults experience colds at least twice each year while children experience at least five. This is mostly because of sudden weather changes, which happens very often in the country. Since a cold can be so uncomfortable, you need to have decongestants for both adults and children at home so you can treat anyone who’s under the weather in your house. It’s also very important to treat colds right away since this viral infection could easily spread throughout your household.

 

  • Anti-diarrhoeal

Nothing is more embarrassing than a sudden bout of diarrhoea. Unfortunately, 4 in 10 Australians in a survey experienced diarrhoea in the last 12 months, making it one of the most common ailments among Australian households. This is why learning how to stop diarrhoea with the right antidiarrheal medication is a must since moving your bowels too frequently could easily lead to dehydration. Taking the right medication along with rehydration will allow you to recover quickly and get back to your daily routine without any interruptions.

 

  • Anti-allergies

Your medicine cabinet would never be complete with some antihistamines, eye drops, and creams that will help treat common allergies. You’ll never know when an allergy could strike. It could be those insect bites that lead to rashes or a guest mistakenly eating seafood that they are allergic to. You could really use a medicine cabinet that’s well-stocked with anti-allergy medications if these things happen.

 

  • Pain reliever

Pain is such a common ailment for family members that you need to have pain relievers in stock all the time. When choosing which pain medications to keep in your medicine cabinet, it’s best to evaluate the needs of your family first. For instance, you have to choose between 12-hour or 4-hour pain reliever medications depending on what your household needs most. You also need to keep children’s pain reliever medications on hand if you have little ones at home.

 

  • Antibacterial creams

Whether it’s a simple insect bite, an abrasion or a wound, you can definitely use an anti-bacterial cream in your medicine cabinet to treat and prevent skin infections. It’s best to have different types of antibacterial creams at home for both adults and children since you’ll never know when these accidents could happen.

 

You don’t need a proper medicine cabinet to start stocking these essentials at home. Even if you’re just starting to build a medicine cabinet or re-stocking an existing one, don’t forget to include these medications in your list so you’re always prepared whenever things suddenly come up at home. Who knows, you can also help neighbours who experience problems and don’t have these medications in stock in their own homes.

Paracetamol Use in Infants and Young Children

by Sheila Adams, posted in Paracetamol for Children

Paracetamol for children is widely sought after. Children often find themselves feeling unwell, and for most parents, they look to over the counter medicines for assistance. Paracetamol is one of the simplest medicines adults and children can use – if it’s used correctly. Paracetamol has a lot of uses and is one of the most common painkillers found in pharmacies today. So, how to use paracetamols with infants?

Paracetamol For Children – What You Need to Know About Doses

Like with any medicine, too much can cause adverse problems. If you want to give your child, including an infant, paracetamol, you must be extremely careful over dosage. Too much can be dangerous to a child, and it’s essential to use a small amount at any one time. A lot of people disagree with dosages when it comes to paracetamol and children. However, if you are concerned, you should talk with your doctor and find out the best course from there. It’s sometimes easier to feel reassured speaking with the doctor and can ensure the right dose is used. You need to be careful with paracetamol for children.

Don’t Over Medicate a Child

A lot of parents are tempted to up the dosage or give more paracetamol to their children because they remain in discomfort or pain. No parent wants to see their child in pain; however, it can be extremely dangerous to over medicate. It’s easily done but very risky, to say the least. It’s risky to over medicate an adult, never mind a child, so you must be cautious with young children and infants. So, if you can, stick with the current dose and hopefully, the child’s pain will ease. If the pain continues or the child doesn’t seem to get any better, you should seek the assistance of a doctor. paracetamol for children can do only so much and, in some instances, a stronger medicine might be required. Read more!

When to Seek Doctor’s Advice?

It might be wise to speak to your or your child’s doctor before giving them any medicine. Sometimes, the doctor will be able to recommend a specific treatment route. A lot of the time, parents assume paracetamol for children will solve the problem and while it very well might, it also might not. It all depends on the exact medical problem and how well the child reacts. Also, if the child has used paracetamol for several days and doesn’t seem to be getting any better (or worsens) it’s crucial to visit the doctor.

Use Paracetamol Carefully Around Children

Parents are usually cautious as to what their children take – which is a good thing – however, sometimes, they assume paracetamol will solve the child’s aches or pains. While most minor complaints are usually solved by something as simple as paracetamol, it mightn’t always do the trick. That is why you must use paracetamol carefully and monitor a child’s intake closely too. It’s about keeping a child safe and ensuring they feel better as quickly as possible. Of course, that doesn’t mean over medicating them. Use paracetamol for children wisely and seek medical help if the child doesn’t get better. More details in site: https://www.thecarryingkind.com/paracetamol-dosing-for-children-in-primary-care/

Paracetamol dosing for children in primary care

by Sheila Adams, posted in Paracetamol for Children

Paracetamol for children can be recommended to newborn children from birth. Nonetheless, paracetamol has a limited helpful record and babies and kids are at expanded danger of excess. Youngsters matured under five years who are intensely unwell are especially defenseless against paracetamol harmfulness, which can prompt liver disappointment and death. From 2002–2012, there were 14 instances of intense pediatric liver disappointment in New Zealand and Australian credited to paracetamol use.

What is the fitting portion of paracetamol for torment the executives in kids?

The pain relieving effect of paracetamol is subject to the plasma grouping of the medication being sufficiently high to cross the blood cerebrum boundary in adequate quantity, thusly proper dosing is required (see: “The pharmacology of paracetamol”). Because of the wide scope of body loads across offspring of various ages, and on the grounds that the general pace of paracetamol digestion per kilogram of body weight doesn’t change with age, paracetamol is dosed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight, as opposed to by age.

The p paracetamol for children portion ought to be endorsed as precisely as could be expected, nonetheless, by and by augmentations of 0.5 mL are frequently utilized. Parental figures ought to be emphatically urged to utilize a needle to gauge the portion. Estimating cups are appropriate for portion volumes more than 10 mL.

Guardians ought to be exhorted that as youngsters develop, the volume of paracetamol for children should be expanded to guarantee that dosing is sufficient; remind parental figures that they can likewise check the portion with their local area drug specialist. The significance of not imparting a recommended portion to another kid ought to likewise be talked about, for example a more modest kid may accidentally be given a higher portion planned for their bigger kin. Click here!

Alert is suggested while considering paracetamol in under-weight kids

Paracetamol ought to be recommended circumspectly to youngsters who are fundamentally under-weight or malnourished, for example those neglecting to flourish. Kids who are in a poor dietary state are more defenseless to paracetamol for children harmfulness because of a decrease in the levels of the detoxifying glutathione enzyme.

Reduced paracetamol dosing, for example 10 mg/kg, or longer periods between dosing might be fitting in these youngsters.

Utilize real body weight to portion paracetamol in youngsters

The figuring of the paracetamol portion ought to be founded on the kid’s genuine body weight, without surpassing the grown-up portion. There is little proof supporting the utilization of weight changes in pediatric paracetamol dosing (except if the kid is malnourished) and aggregating proof recommends that techniques other than genuine weight-based dosing may bring about sub-remedial treatment.

Dosing mistakes are the best concern while prescribing paracetamol

Clear correspondence about dosing and documentation of dosages is significant as the danger of medication blunders with paracetamol for children is expanded in youngsters who have various parental figures, for example mother, father and day care or school. Health experts can diminish paracetamol-incited hurt by asking the youngster’s parental figure. Find out more at https://www.thecarryingkind.com/is-paracetamol-effective-for-treating-or-curing-covid-19/

Is Paracetamol effective for treating or curing COVID-19?

by Sheila Adams, posted in Paracetamol Work

If there is one good thing that COVID19 has done, it is making people self-conscious about their health. Asides the strain it has put on the world, economically and otherwise, that is the one good thing it has done.

Now, with its advent, people fret over health issues as simplistic as headaches. And the go to drug for most people has always been paracetamol, even in the pandemic. More details!

The truth is, there have been so many controversies as to what the cure of corona virus might be. We’ve heard of drugs like chloroquine, paracetamol and ibuprofen that might be a probable cure. This article focuses on the controversies around paracetamol being the cure.

Can paracetamol cure COVID-19?

Before answering the question, let’s remind ourselves of COVID-19 symptoms. The symptoms includes; dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, inability to smell and taste and subsequently pneumonia and organ failure.

Now, as most of us has always done, the first line of treatment for some of these symptoms is paracetamol. But does that make it the cure? The answer is a big no!

Coronavirus cannot be cured using paracetamol, but paracetamol can be used to treat its symptoms. Most especially the fever symptom, it can be used to treat the fever symptom.

Note that paracetamol is an analgesic and not an antibacterial or antiviral drug. It can relieve you of pains and fever but not viral diseases like coronavirus. Paracetamol made headlines on many new stations as a drug that might be a probable cure but WHO debunked all the rumor. The WHO also insisted that while paracetamol is not the cure, it should be included during treatment of patients.

Particularly paracetamol for children, one has to be careful in self prescribing it for children showing symptoms. Children dosage for paracetamol is quite different from that of adults.

For the most part, there is no evidence or study that proves that coronavirus can be cured using paracetamol. Hence, desist from spreading or believing any form of propaganda.

In using paracetamol as first line of treatment at home, and symptoms still persist? Take the sick individual to the hospital. Click here for more information: https://www.thecarryingkind.com/6-ways-to-cosy-up-the-home-in-the-winter-months/

Alternative ways of treating and preventing coronavirus at home

There is no current permanent treatment for coronavirus but there are ways in which we can protect ourselves from the pandemic. In this article, tips on how to prevent

  • Practice social distancing. Social distancing is the best way to protect yourself from the virus.
  • Eat fruits to boost your immune system.
  • Avoid crowded gatherings.
  • Wear nose masks and face shields whenever you want to go out.
  • Use hand sanitizer often.
  • Wash and sanitize all items gotten from the grocery store, to prevent secondary infection.
  • Drink water frequently.
  • Clean all surfaces around the house.
  • If you feel breathless, turn the heat down and open the windows. Do not use a fan as that can spread the virus.
  • Note that breathlessness is a sign of coronavirus that should be taken seriously. Call for help before it becomes uncontrollable.

Can I Use Paracetamol with Other Medicines?

by Sheila Adams, posted in Paracetamol Work

Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is a commonly used medication that can help reduce a high temperature (fever) and treat pain. As it is safe for most people and side effects are rare, it is usually recommended as one of the first treatments for pain.

# Can I Use Paracetamol with Other Medicines?

Paracetamol may react unpredictably with specific other medications. This may affect the effectiveness of any of the medications and may improve the risk of side effects. It can not be safe to take paracetamol with other medicines at the same time as:

  1. Other products containing paracetamol: including combined products where paracetamol is one of the ingredients.
  2. Carbamazepine: treats a number of conditions, including epilepsy and some types of hard pain.
  3. Cholestyramine: treats a number of conditions, including itching caused by primary biliary cirrhosis.
  4. Busulfan: used to treat some types of cancer.
  5. Lixisenatide: used to treat type 2 diabetes.
  6. Metoclopramide: used to relieve vomiting and nausea.
  7. Phenobarbital and phenytoin: used to control seizures.
  8. Coumarins: these are present in oral anticoagulant medicines (to prevent the blood clotting)

Check the package leaflet that comes with your medication to see whether it can be taken with paracetamol. Ask a doctor or a pharmacist if you are not sure.

# Side Effects of Paracetamol

Side effects of paracetamol are rare but may include: an allergic reaction, redness, blood disorders, low blood pressure, kidney, and liver problem if you take too much. If you develop any problematic side effects, talk to a doctor or pharmacist. Click here!

# Paracetamol Overdose

Taking too much paracetamol is known as an overdose. It can be very dangerous if you have taken more than the maximum recommended dose, go to the nearest accident and emergency department immediately.

# Who Can Take Paracetamol?

Most people can safely take paracetamol, including pregnant women, nursing women, children older than three months (lower doses are recommended for babies). Always get advice from your GP or doctor before taking paracetamol.

# How Should I Take Paracetamol?

Be sure to take paracetamol as instructed by a health professional, or as directed on the label or leaflet. The amount you can take depends on your age, your weight, the type of paracetamol you take and how strong it is!

# Can I Take Both Paracetamol and Ibuprofen at the Same Time?

It is safe to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together if you are 16 years old or over, as no harmful interactions between these medications are known. The advice for children is always different. There are no known issues attributable to take paracetamol with a certain food or drinking moderate amounts of alcohol while taking paracetamol.

# Can I Give My Child Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Together?

Of course No. Do not give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen together, unless recommended by a health professional or a doctor. If you give them one of these medications and they are still distressed before the next dose, you can try the other medication.

# Can I Take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen with Cough or Cold Medications?

It just depends on whether the cough or cold medication also contains paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always avoid exceeding the highest dose. If you are already taking a cough or cold medicine that contains these ingredients, you should not take paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Remember that never share your medications with other people, keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and use this medication only for the prescribed indication. For more details, visit: https://sco.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracetamol

What’s the Point of Paracetamol?

What’s the Point of Paracetamol?

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health & Pharma

Paracetamol is a well-known medication that is generally used to relieve pain and lower fever. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers paracetamol to be an essential medicine in a basic health system. Paracetamol is known by a wide variety of brands and is used in a variety of pain and cough/cold formulations designed for children and adults.

Paracetamol Product Names

Paracetamol is made by several different pharmaceutical manufacturers, and each one gives your product a different brand. Paracetamol is known as acetaminophen in some countries. The packaging must indicate if the product contains paracetamol or not, and how much. This will usually be in milligrams (mg), such as 200/500 mg of paracetamol.

Paracetamol with Other Medications

Paracetamol is combined with other ingredients in several products. It can be combined with a decongestant – a type of medication that provides short-term relief for a stuffy nose and sold as a cold as well as a flu remedy. Paracetamol can also be combined with other pain relievers in medications, such as Ixprim (paracetamol and tramadol) or Solpadeine, Tylex (paracetamol and codeine). Check out more about great tasting of paracetamol on https://www.dymadon.com.au

Consideration

Do not exceed the maximum dose indicated on the packet or patient information leaflet when taking paracetamol and do not take paracetamol with other medications that contain paracetamol. Paracetamol should be used with caution in people who have kidney problems, liver problems, and alcohol dependence.

What’s the Point of Paracetamol?

Pregnancy

Paracetamol has been regularly used at all stages of pregnancy to reduce a high temperature (fever) and relieve pain. Paracetamol should be taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time as with any medication used during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Paracetamol is considered the best option to relieve pain when breastfeeding. The amount of paracetamol that is probable to pass into breast milk is too small to be harmful to the baby. Click here for more about paracetamol for mild to moderate pain.

Side Effects of Paracetamol

Side effects of paracetamol are rare, but may include:

  • an eruption
  • blood disorders like leukopenia (low number of white blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
  • hypotension (low blood pressure) when administered in the hospital for infusion
  • liver and kidney damage, when taken in doses higher than recommended

It is not known that paracetamol, taken at the recommended doses, causes any adverse effects that may interfere with your ability to drive securely.

Interaction with Other Medications

When two or more medications are taken at the same time, the other can alter the effects of one of them. This is known as pharmacological interaction. Paracetamol may interact with the following medications:

  1. Carbamazepine: treats a number of conditions, including epilepsy and some types of hard pain.
  2. Cholestyramine: treats a number of conditions, including itching caused by primary biliary cirrhosis.
  3. Imatinib & Busulfan: treat some types of cancer.
  4. Coumarins: they are present in oral anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin.
  5. Domperidone & Metoclopramide: relieve diseases and treats a number of conditions, including indigestion.

Use in Children

Babies and children can take paracetamol for three months. Occasionally, your doctor may advise that your baby can take paracetamol when they are less than three months old. For instance, a dose of paracetamol for children can be given to children two to three months of age if they have a high temperature after vaccines. This dose can be repeated once after four to six hours. However, any other dose should be on the advice of your doctor.

How safe is paracetamol for children

How safe is paracetamol for children

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health & Pharma, Paracetamol for Children

Paracetamol (also known as APAP) is a useful medication for the relief of symptomatic pain is known very painful situations, such as pain after an operation or an injury, migraine headaches in children or to reduce the discomfort that may be associated with fever.

Paracetamol has a role when there is a combination of respiratory distress and fever-like croup, pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Fever develops the metabolic rate and oxygen supplies in these critical situations. But the continued use of paracetamol for fever or pain of unknown causes is unsuitable and can cause delays in the diagnosis of the conditions, which would help from earlier treatment.

Key points to keep in mind about the safe use of paracetamol in children

  • Paracetamol is a medicine to help reduce pain.
  • Your child does not require it only for fever: if your child is sad due to fever, you can give paracetamol to make him feel more comfortable.
  • Keep all medications out of the reach of children.
  • Too much paracetamol can be dangerous.
  • Before each dose, check if your child still needs a dose.
  • Know the correct dose to administer and control the concentration.
  • Give no more than 4 times a day.
  • If somebody else has been taking care of your child, ask if he was given paracetamol, how much and when.
  • Check other medications your child is taking; may contain paracetamol.

How safe is paracetamol for children

Correct doses of paracetamol for children of average or normal body constitution

The dose of paracetamol is just based on lean body weight (LBW). However, the full body weight of an obese, malnourished or anorexic child isn’t their lean body weight. The correct doses of paracetamol for children of the average or normal constitution are 15 mg/kg 4-5 per hour, up to a maximum regular dose of 60 mg/kg/day. Learn more about ideal body weight.

If it is hard for doctors to calculate these paracetamol doses, it is usually much more difficult for parents. Careful attention to labeling advice is always required. For children older than one month with acute pain, this can be improved to a daily maximum of 90 mg/kg/day for a maximum of 2-3 days, but this is generally only in the hospital setting.

Paracetamol dose calculation for obese children

Doctors will use a general rule and will err with caution in most situations, the identification that the dose is based on lean bodyweight, not actual weight. Click here for safe and appropriate use of paracetamol.

The dose of paracetamol should consider paracetamol as an ingredient of other medications that are taken simultaneously.

Paracetamol is an unforeseen ingredient in several over-the-counter medications and should be taken into account when you calculate doses of paracetamol. Paracetamol is present, for example, in preparations of:

  • Codral
  • Lemsip
  • Sinutab
  • Coldrex
  • Orthoxicol
  • Sudafed
  • Dimetapp

Ibuprofen isn’t a safer alternative for children

In short-term use, Ibuprofen seems to be as safe as paracetamol. But we still do not have the same experience with the use of ibuprofen as with paracetamol. The well-known risks of using NSAIDs are at least as great in children as in adults. There is no evidence of the safety or efficiency of combining or alternating the use of paracetamol for children.