Pharmacological properties
Paracetamol is approved for use at an early age and is not prescribed only to newborns. If the child is 1-3 months old, a single use of this medication is acceptable when the temperature rises due to vaccination. In all other cases, this medication is used from the age of three months, that is, you can safely give Paracetamol to a child. The dosage in tablets is given below.
The active element of the drug is a phenacetin derivative - paracetamol. The principle of action of this medicinal substance is based on the inhibition of the production of prostaglandins, which are chemical compounds formed during the inflammatory process and are responsible for its symptoms in the form of fever and the appearance of pain.
The drug "Paracetamol" has an analgesic effect, affecting neurons located in the structures of the central nervous system. In addition, the drug has a weak anti-inflammatory property and does not irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. After entering the body, its components are absorbed into the blood, from where they are distributed to all tissues of the body. Metabolic processes take place in the liver, with the formation of intermediate metabolic products - metabolites, some of which, for example, para-aminophenol, are toxic.
This limits the use of the drug Paracetamol for blood and liver diseases. Subsequently, the metabolites pass through the kidney filters and are excreted from the body in the urine, and therefore, if the child’s kidney function is impaired, the use of this medication is undesirable. When taken orally, the active element reaches its maximum concentration after about 20-30 minutes, and the peak effect of the drug occurs after an hour and a half.
The dosage of Paracetamol in tablets for a child must be strictly observed.
Features of use in children
Long-term use of the drug, especially in large quantities, can cause irreparable harm to the child's body. Therefore, a 6-year-old child is given Paracetamol for no more than 3 days , and if his condition has not returned to normal during this period, then he should consult a doctor who will select a more effective treatment.
It is also important to ensure that there are no allergic reactions to the drug. The medication in tablet form should be taken strictly after meals. The dosage of paracetamol in tablets varies (0.2, 0.325, 0.5 g), so it must be selected according to the baby’s weight and, if necessary, divide the tablet into parts.
For what symptoms should it be used?
The most common reason for using this drug in children is a severe increase in body temperature. A similar symptom can occur with influenza, chickenpox, scarlet fever, otitis media, sore throat and many other infectious pathologies. In addition, a 2-year-old child's temperature may rise as a result of vaccinations or overheating. In such situations, the drug “Paracetamol” quite effectively eliminates the febrile syndrome. However, it is very important to remember that taking this medication will only eliminate the symptoms of the disease in the child, and this pharmacological agent has no effect on its cause.
For pain
The drug "Paracetamol" also has analgesic properties, so this medication can be given to children for pain of a wide variety of origins. For example, the medicine helps to alleviate the child’s condition during teething, if this process is painful. Taking Paracetamol also eliminates pain caused by injury - sprain, bruise, etc.
This remedy is also used for headaches, sore throat and other painful sensations.
How much Paracetamol to give a child at 2 years old is interesting to many parents.
Compatibility of paracetamol for children with other drugs
Paracetamol is a non-narcotic pain reliever. The medicine blocks substances that provoke inflammation and fever.
The drug contains:
- Active substance paracetamol. The main component of the medicine, it eliminates fever, chills, and relieves muscle pain. Its mechanism of action is based on penetration into the blood and binding of special prostaglandin enzymes, which affect the temperature centers of the brain.
- Additional substances. These include lactose, talc, calcium. These components form the bulk of the tablet and partially remove its unpleasant aftertaste. They also ensure uniform mixing of the substance in the intestines and absorption into the bloodstream.
How long does it take for paracetamol to bring down a child’s fever? The effect of the drug begins 20 minutes after administration and reaches a maximum after 1-1.5 hours.
The effectiveness of the drug is manifested in the following effects:
- Antipyretic. The strongest, therefore paracetamol is prescribed to children for fever that rises to high numbers.
- Painkiller. In moderate dosages it has an analgesic mechanism. Paracetamol can be given to a child for toothache, chills, and seizures.
- Relieving inflammation. Less pronounced than others.
When carrying out complex treatment, you should be aware of the peculiarities of the interaction of paracetamol with other drugs. If the child has already taken the tablets, it is not recommended to take barbiturates, isoniazid and zidovudine due to the risk of liver damage.
Combination use with caffeine, codeine or aspirin is undesirable, since the effect of these drugs will increase significantly. You cannot take tablets together with activated carbon, because paracetamol will not have time to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Dosage form for a 2 year old child
If the drug “Paracetamol” needs to be taken by a two-year-old child, then, as a rule, one of the following dosage forms is chosen:
- Suspension. The main advantage of this medication option is the most accurate dosage, since the medicinal liquid is measured in milliliters using a measuring spoon or a special plastic syringe. Thanks to the sweet orange or strawberry flavor, most children take the suspension without problems. As for the disadvantages, among them is the presence of sugar and other chemical components in the medication, to which the baby may have an allergic reaction. It is better to check with your doctor which Paracetamol to give to a 2-year-old child.
- Rectal suppositories. Among the advantages of this form are a large selection of dosages (suppositories of 500, 250, 100 and 50 mg), as well as a safe composition, since in addition to paracetamol, suppositories contain only solid fats. For this reason, this medication is most often used in infants and children prone to developing an allergic reaction. In addition, suppositories are usually chosen if there are difficulties with swallowing the suspension or if the child is vomiting.
- Paracetamol tablets can also be given to a 2-year-old child, but this is done quite rarely. This is due to the fact that a child at a young age does not yet know how to swallow a pill and can easily choke. Therefore, the drug can be dissolved in a small amount of water or sweet syrup. The main disadvantage of this method is the bitter taste of the medicine, which in some cases makes taking the medicine impossible or causes vomiting in children.
Can I give my child paracetamol tablets?
Medical experts say that paracetamol can be given to babies in solid form if certain conditions are met:
- The medicine can only bring down a high temperature, more than 38 degrees;
- You shouldn’t give pills right away; it’s better to try some kind of pill first. If the fever lasts more than 4 hours, then medicine can be given;
- You can give it right away if, along with a fever, the baby is bothered by toothache and weakness.
Paracetamol is a great help for mothers. It is suitable for both adults and children. But, there are some restrictions on taking
this medication.
- Before use, you need to familiarize yourself with the composition and make sure that the child is not exposed to its components;
- It is not recommended to reduce the degree scale with this medicine for babies who are under 3 months old. For these purposes, it is better to purchase antipyretic syrup;
- It is strictly forbidden to use it in children who have problems with the digestive tract, kidney disease or rectal pathology.
If the parent is not sure of the correct choice, then it is not worth experimenting on the child; it is better to consult a specialist.
When are suppositories better than pills?
The therapeutic effect of the drug "Paracetamol" in the form of oral forms is noted somewhat later than the effect of rectal suppositories. In view of this fact, suppositories are used when it is necessary to quickly bring down a high temperature, or when the baby is sleeping and it is not possible to give him a tablet or syrup.
Tablets are usually prescribed only for children aged 6 years, but in emergency cases, when liquid medicine and suppositories are not at hand, it is permissible to give part of the tablet to a child aged two years.
Is the dosage of Paracetamol 500 mg suitable for children aged 2 years?
Dosage for a two year old child
To find out both the single and permissible daily dosage of a medication, the age of the child is not so important as his body weight. The amount of paracetamol per 1 kg of body weight recommended by experts for children is from 10 to 15 mg. At the age of 2 years, a child can weigh between 10 and 15 kg, so the single dosage for children will be slightly different. For example, if the baby’s weight is 12 kg, then by calculation it can be determined that the dosage of the drug “Paracetamol” for him should be 120-180 mg. Such a baby is usually given 5 ml of suspension at one time, half a suppository of 250 mg (125 mg) is given, or ¼ of a tablet medication is given.
Calculation
To determine the daily dosage, which should in no case be exceeded, it is necessary to multiply the child’s body weight by 60. For a two-year-old child weighing 12 kg, the daily dose of the drug is 720 mg. This amount of the active element is contained in 30 ml of suspension.
Thus, if a medication is prescribed three times a day, it should not be given in an amount of more than 10 ml, and if used 4 times a day, the dosage should not exceed 7.5 ml.
How to calculate how much Paracetamol a 2-year-old child needs for fever?
Dosage of tablets for children
The tableted drug, as indicated in the instructions for use, is not recommended for children under 12 years of age, however, pediatricians widely practice prescribing this dosage form to children over 6 years of age. At this age, the amount of active substance is 250 mg, which corresponds to ½ tablet of the drug. After 12 years, you can give your child the whole tablet without a doubt.
It is important to find out in advance how to give Paracetamol to a child aged 2 years.
Composition and action of Paracetamol
The drug belongs to the group of analgesic non-narcotic drugs. The active substance is paracetamol. Auxiliary components included in the composition in small proportions are potato starch, stearic acid, low molecular weight povidone. However, additional substances may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
The mechanism and way it works is to block a special enzyme that the body releases in response to illness, infection and injury. Thus, pain becomes “invisible” to the nervous system. The advantage of the medicine is that it does not damage the gastric mucosa, and the analgesic effect occurs quickly.
The shelf life and shelf life of the drug is two years.
Adverse reactions
Despite its good tolerance, the drug Paracetamol can cause side effects in children, most often represented by allergic reactions. In some children, the medication worsens the functions of the liver and digestive tract.
Taking the drug can harm the health of children with gastrointestinal diseases, bronchial asthma and other diseases specified in the instructions in the list of contraindications.
With long-term use, this drug can worsen hematopoietic processes, therefore, certain restrictions are provided for the course of therapy without the supervision of a specialist. If the drug is used to reduce a child’s temperature, then this regimen is acceptable for three days. When used to relieve pain, the medication can be given to children for up to 5 days.
If you exceed the recommended dose, it can be dangerous for the child's internal organs. Symptoms of overdose usually manifest themselves in the form of irritation of the digestive organs, but with a very high dose the drug affects the brain and liver. The medication must be stored so that the child cannot get it out and accidentally drink it.
We looked at how much Paracetamol to give a child at 2 years old.
The effect of the drug
Anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used for a variety of diseases in children and adults. Doctors most often prescribe Paracetamol to children , since it is considered one of the oldest and best-studied drugs, which means it is highly safe. The antipyretic and analgesic properties of the drug are explained by the influence of the active substance on the thermoregulation center and inflammatory mediators that are produced by brain tissue.
The effect of use occurs quite quickly (after 30 minutes), so you just need to know how much paracetamol to give to a 6-year-old child and strictly follow the instructions. The advantages of using this particular drug include:
- safety for the health and well-being of the child even if the single permissible dose is slightly exceeded;
- rare cases of side effects from taking;
- no damaging effects on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract;
- no effect on the exchange of water and minerals in the body;
- Possibility of use from an early age.
The drug is available in the form of suppositories, tablets, and syrups. It is believed that the tablet form of paracetamol allows you to lower the temperature more quickly, and rectal suppositories are best used at night.
