Categories
Change Password!
Reset Password!
Dual therapies may offer faster fever reduction in children with comparable safety to monotherapies.
Combining or alternating fever-reducing medications may offer better results for children than Acetaminophen alone, a study published in “Pediatrics” journal uncovered. A comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis of 31 trials involving over 5,000 children revealed that dual therapies—using both Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen either alternated or combined—were more effective at reducing fever at 4 and 6 hours compared to just Acetaminophen.
The goal was to investigate the utility of Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, alternating, and combined therapies for addressing fever in children. Data from Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL (up to September 20, 2023) were analyzed. Randomized trials were reviewed independently by two reviewers, with data extraction and bias assessment carried out via a random-effects model. Combined therapy (odds ratio [OR], 0.19) and alternating therapy (OR, 0.20) outperformed Acetaminophen in achieving afebrile status in kids at both 4 and 6 hours.
Interestingly, Ibuprofen alone (OR, 0.98) also surpassed Acetaminophen at the 4-hour mark and was equally effective by 6 hours. Despite the improved outcomes with dual therapies, the study found no surge in adverse events compared to single-drug therapies, suggesting these strategies may be both effective and safe. The findings, while promising, only cover the initial 6 hours of fever management. As such, further research is required for a clearer picture regarding the long-term benefits and safety of these approaches.
Pediatrics
Short-term Dual Therapy or Mono Therapy With Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen for Fever: A Network Meta-Analysis
Juan E De la Cruz-Mena et al.
Comments (0)