Fever, pain and Paracetamol

By Dr. Laxman Weerasena, MBBS (Ceylon) FCGP SL

Often doctors prescribe Paracetamol together with other drugs and antibiotics. While this is medically allowed, one must ensure that the other drugs are gentle on the liver. Patients also tend to use different brands of Paracetamol in combination without realising that they have the same ingredient. This leads to problems of overdosage. It is the responsibility of the medical officer to explain the dosage and the medication prescribed, and if questioned by the patient should not hesitate to give the reason for prescribing it.

Both adults and children can use Paracetamol. However, doses should depend on the age of the person and his body weight. Paracetamol in tablet and liquid form has the dosage schedule and usage instructions printed on the pack or on a leaflet. This should be read carefully and followed correctly.

Often anxious parents tend to give Paracetamol more frequently than recommended to bring down a fever. This is the main cause for overdosage.

There are several ways in which one can bring down a fever, which can be used in conjunction with medication. One could administer a cold sponge by gently rubbing the body with a cold, wet towel. 

After wiping the patient dry, he should be kept near an open window or under a fan. One can place an ice pack under the armpits and on either side of the groin. The biggest arteries are located here and by placing the ice pack on them you cool the entire blood system. An ice pack can easily be made at home by placing ice in double polythene bags and wrapping them with a cloth.

Patients should be closely monitored. If they develop symptoms like red patches, itchiness or vomiting or if the fever persists beyond three days the family doctor should be contacted immediately.

The writer is the Past President, Independent Medical Practitioners' Association.

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