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Oral antipyretic therapy. Evaluation of mefenamic acid (short communication)
Insights
Mefenamic acid (N-(2,3-xylyl)anthranilic acid) effectively reduces fever in children. Its antipyretic capacity is significantly higher than acetylsalicylic acid or paracetamol, and comparable to aminophenazone.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Fever management in children is crucial.
- Comparison of antipyretic drugs is essential for clinical practice.
- N-(2,3-xylyl)anthranilic acid (mefenamic acid) is a potential antipyretic agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the antipyretic efficacy of mefenamic acid with acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, and aminophenazone in children.
- To evaluate the dose-response relationship of mefenamic acid as an antipyretic.
- To assess the onset and duration of antipyretic action of mefenamic acid.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 71 pediatric patients (3 months to 15 years) with rectal temperatures above 38.5°C.
- Administration of mefenamic acid (4 mg/kg), acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, and aminophenazone.
- Rectal temperature measurements at 15, 30 minutes, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours post-administration.
Main Results:
- Mefenamic acid (4 mg/kg) demonstrated optimal antipyretic effect.
- The antipyretic efficacy of mefenamic acid was 2.5 times greater than that of acetylsalicylic acid or paracetamol.
- Mefenamic acid's antipyretic effect was nearly similar to that of aminophenazone.
Conclusions:
- Mefenamic acid exhibits a potent antipyretic effect in children.
- The antipyretic properties of mefenamic acid may exceed its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Mefenamic acid is a promising option for fever reduction in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
The capacity of N-(2,3-xylyl)anthranilic acid (mefenamic acid) to reduce fever in children was compared with that of acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol and amino-phenazone. The series of cases consisted of 71 patients in the age range from 3 months to 15 years and with rectal temperatures above 38.5 degrees C. Temperatures were recorded at 15 and 30 min, and 1, 2, 4 and 6 h after challenge with the drug. The antipyretic effect of mefenamic acid in a dose of 4 mg/kg was optimal: it was 2.5 times that of acetyl-salicylic acid or paracetamol and nearly similar to that of aminophenazone. It seems possible that the antipyretic effect of mefenamic acid is stronger than its anti-inflammatory and analgetic properties.