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Can Metacin And Mefenamic Acid Be Given For Viral Fever?
Question: Hello
I am XXXX and my 10 month old son has viral fever and for past 6 hours his temp has not reduced from 101.3 consulted Fid peadiatrician and doctor has prescribed for below
Metacin (paracetamol) 6 ml drops every 4 hours and mefenamic acid suspension 3 ML every 4 hours and mefenamic to be given ONLY if fever doesn't come down after an hour of paracetamol . Is it safe to give these 2 medicines every 4 hours ?? And will there be any side effects
I am XXXX and my 10 month old son has viral fever and for past 6 hours his temp has not reduced from 101.3 consulted Fid peadiatrician and doctor has prescribed for below
Metacin (paracetamol) 6 ml drops every 4 hours and mefenamic acid suspension 3 ML every 4 hours and mefenamic to be given ONLY if fever doesn't come down after an hour of paracetamol . Is it safe to give these 2 medicines every 4 hours ?? And will there be any side effects
Brief Answer:
The benefits outweigh the risks.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Viral fevers are frequently seen in children. The temperature needs to be controlled anyhow, whether by tepid sponging or by the use of medicines like paracetamol or mefenamic acid (more efficacious than paracetamol). The use is not to be made every 4 hours, but rather as per requirements in terms of temperature. The requirement of control of temperature supercedes the consideration of possible side effects resulting from the use of such medicines. Paracetamol is a very safe medicine and you need not be concerned. The primary concern with mefenamic acid is gastric irritation and hence needs to be given in full stomach, if feasible.
Regards
The benefits outweigh the risks.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Viral fevers are frequently seen in children. The temperature needs to be controlled anyhow, whether by tepid sponging or by the use of medicines like paracetamol or mefenamic acid (more efficacious than paracetamol). The use is not to be made every 4 hours, but rather as per requirements in terms of temperature. The requirement of control of temperature supercedes the consideration of possible side effects resulting from the use of such medicines. Paracetamol is a very safe medicine and you need not be concerned. The primary concern with mefenamic acid is gastric irritation and hence needs to be given in full stomach, if feasible.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So mefenamic every 4 hours is fine apart from gastric problem
Brief Answer:
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Yes, it is. However, a 6-8 hourly interval is more preferable.
Regards
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Yes, it is. However, a 6-8 hourly interval is more preferable.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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