Comparison of the efficacy of paracetamol and ibuprofen for fever in children under 5 years of age

Abstract

Fever accounts for a significant proportion of pediatric emergency consultations, with up to 40% of children under the age of five see a doctor for this condition. Fever is usually the result of acute respiratory viral infection, is short-lived and resolves on its own. However, in the hyperergic variant or with depletion of compensatory mechanisms, fever can be the cause of the development of pathological conditions. Therefore, timely and effective control of fever has always been a subject of interest to parents and pediatricians. Current guidelines define fever above 38.5 °C as a condition in which the use of antipyretics is indicated. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are the most widely prescribed and available over-the-counter antipyretics in children. Despite the widespread use of these drugs, recommendations for the treatment of young children remain varied, leading to irrational use of antipyretics. Therefore, the aim of this review is to analyze existing clinical trials comparing paracetamol and ibuprofen to develop guidelines for pediatricians on the management of febrile pediatric patients.