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The antipyretic effect of ibuprofen and acetaminophen in children

Haney Wahba1

  • 1Indiana Regional Medical Center, and the Department of Family Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Pharmacotherapy
|March 5, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are equally tolerated for reducing fever in children. Acetaminophen offers a faster initial temperature reduction, while ibuprofen provides a longer-lasting antipyretic effect.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology
  • Evidence-based Medicine

Background:

  • Fever is a common symptom in children.
  • Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are widely used antipyretics.
  • Comparative efficacy and tolerability data are crucial for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the medical literature supporting the use of ibuprofen versus acetaminophen for pediatric fever reduction.
  • To synthesize evidence on the efficacy and tolerability of these two antipyretics.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE and Science Citation Index (1966-2000).
  • Inclusion of articles on ibuprofen or acetaminophen in children.
  • Assessment of 22 articles based on validity, design, and data reporting.

Main Results:

  • Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen demonstrated equal tolerability in children.
  • Acetaminophen showed a more rapid reduction in body temperature at 0.5 hours post-intervention.
  • Ibuprofen exhibited a more prolonged antipyretic effect beyond 4 hours.

Conclusions:

  • Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are comparable in terms of tolerability for pediatric fever.
  • The choice between acetaminophen and ibuprofen may depend on the desired onset and duration of fever reduction.
  • Ibuprofen offers a sustained antipyretic effect, while acetaminophen provides a quicker initial response.
Abstract

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