March 2012. Volume 8. Number 1

There is insufficient evidence supporting the combining use of ibuprofen and paracetamol in the treatment of fever

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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AVC | Critically appraised articles

Purssell E. Systematic review of studies comparing combined treatment with paracetamol and ibuprofen, with either drug alone. Arch Dis Child. 2011;96:1175-9.
Reviewers: Llerena Santa Cruz E1, Guarch Ibáñez B2, Buñuel Álvarez JC3.
1Hospital Universitario Dr. Josep Trueta. Girona. Girona. España.
2Hospital Universitario Dr. Josep Trueta. Girona. España.
3Àrea Bàsica de Salut Girona-4. Institut Català de la Salut. Girona. España.
Correspondence: Enrique Llerena Santa Cruz. Email: santum7@yahoo.com
Reception date: 03/02/2012
Acceptance date: 16/02/2012
Publication date: 22/02/2012

Abstract

Authors' conclusions:  there is little evidence for or against the use of the ibuprofen and paracetamol combination, compared to the isolated use of one of them to relieve fever and the discomfort associated with it. In this context, it is prudent not to recommend the use of the combination therapy with both drugs to treat this clinical sign and use, if necessary, only one of them.

Reviewers' commentary:  the results of this systematic review, recommend us to avoid prescribing the combined use of antipyretics as there is no evidence of effectiveness or safety data supporting its use. In addition, the role of antipyretics is to treat a symptom which by itself causes no harm, and it is an ally to control the infection. In this context, when treatment is really necessary, it is now advisable to treat fever with a single drug.

How to cite this article

Llerena Santa Cruz E, Guarch Ibáñez B, Buñuel Álvarez JC. No existen pruebas suficientes que avalen el uso de ibuprofeno y paracetamol combinados para el tratamiento de la fiebre. Evid Pediatr. 2012;8:18.

AVC | Critically appraised articles

Purssell E. Systematic review of studies comparing combined treatment with paracetamol and ibuprofen, with either drug alone. Arch Dis Child. 2011;96:1175-9.
Reviewers: Llerena Santa Cruz E1, Guarch Ibáñez B2, Buñuel Álvarez JC3.
1Hospital Universitario Dr. Josep Trueta. Girona. Girona. España.
2Hospital Universitario Dr. Josep Trueta. Girona. España.
3Àrea Bàsica de Salut Girona-4. Institut Català de la Salut. Girona. España.
Correspondence: Enrique Llerena Santa Cruz. Email: santum7@yahoo.com
Reception date: 03/02/2012
Acceptance date: 16/02/2012
Publication date: 22/02/2012

How to cite this article

Llerena Santa Cruz E, Guarch Ibáñez B, Buñuel Álvarez JC. No existen pruebas suficientes que avalen el uso de ibuprofeno y paracetamol combinados para el tratamiento de la fiebre. Evid Pediatr. 2012;8:18.

References

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Fever and antipyretic use in children. Pediatrics. 2011;127:580-7.
  2. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Feverish illness in children, assessment and initial management in children younger than 5 years. London: National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health; 2007.
  3. Chiappini E, Principi N, Longhi R, Tovo PA, Becherucci P, Bonsignori F et al. Management of fever in children: summary of the Italian Pediatric Society guidelines. Clin Ther. 2009;31:1826-43
  4. Esparza Olcina MJ. Eficacia y seguridad de ibuprofeno y paracetamol en niños y adultos: metanaanálisis y revisión cualitativa. Evid Pediatr. 2011;7:98.
  5. Prymula R, Siegrist CA, Chlibek R, Zemlickova H, Vackova M, Smetana J et al. Effect of prophylactic paracetamol administration at time of vaccination on febrile reactions and antibody responses in children: two open-label, randomised controlled trials. Lancet. 2009;374:1339-50.
22/02/2012

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