COMPARISON OF ORAL ACETAMINOPHEN WITH DIFFERENT DOSES IN FEBRILE CHILDREN

Background: Fever is one of the most Common pediatric problems, accounting for 25-30% emergency department and clinic visits each year. Acetaminophen is the first choice for antipyretic medication. In this study we compared the effectiveness of different doses of oral acetaminophen. Methods: A parallel group, randomized clinical trial was conducted. A total 60 febrile (rectal temperature>390c) patients, 6 month to 6 years old, were assigned randomly one of the two groups of 30 patients each group becoming acetaminophen orally in doses of 15mg/kg or 10mg/kg. Findings: The rate of temperature reduction at the first and third hour in group 1(15mg/kg) was 0.98 (±0.19) and 1.7 (±0.14) respectively. There was significant difference in temperature change between the two groups. The rate of temperature reduction at the first and third hour in group 2 (10mg/kg) was 0.63 (±0.18) and 1.25 (± 0.22) respectively. Conclusions: Oral acetaminophen with dose of 15mg/kg is more effective in reducing fever.