In the article, we consider how much "Paracetamol" to give a child at 2 years.
An increase in body temperature in young children is very common, so experts advise you to always have one of the antipyretic medicines harmless for babies in your home medicine cabinet. Such a drug can be called "Paracetamol." How much to give a child at 2 years of this medicine?
Pharmacological properties
"Paracetamol" is approved for use at an early age and is not prescribed only for newborns. If the child is 1-3 months old, a single use of this medication is acceptable if the temperature rises due to vaccination. In all other cases, this medication is used from the age of three months, that is, you can safely give the medicine "Paracetamol" to a child. The dosage in tablets below.
The active ingredient of the drug is a phenacetin derivative - paracetamol. The principle of action of this drug is based on the inhibition of the production of prostaglandins, which are chemical compounds that form during the inflammatory process, and are responsible for its symptoms in the form of fever and the appearance of pain.
Medication "Paracetamol" has an analgesic effect, acting on neurons located in the structures of the central nervous system. In addition, the drug has a weak anti-inflammatory property, does not irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. After entering the body, its components are absorbed into the blood, from where they are carried throughout all body tissues. Metabolic processes occur in the liver, with the formation of intermediate metabolic products - metabolites, some of which, for example, paraaminophenol have toxicity.
This limits the use of the drug “Paracetamol" for diseases of the blood and liver. Subsequently, the metabolites pass through the renal filters and are excreted in the urine, and therefore, in case of impaired renal function in a child, the use of this medication is undesirable. When taken orally, the active active element reaches its maximum concentration after about 20-30 minutes, and the peak of the drug’s action occurs in an hour and a half.
The dosage of Paracetamol in tablets for the child should be strictly observed.
What symptoms should be used?
The most common reason for using such a drug in children is a strong increase in body temperature. A similar symptom can occur with influenza, chickenpox, scarlet fever, otitis media, tonsillitis and many other infectious pathologies. In addition, in a two-year-old child, the temperature may rise as a result of vaccination or overheating. In such situations, the drug "Paracetamol" quite effectively eliminates the febrile syndrome. However, it is very important to remember that taking this medication will only eliminate the symptoms of the disease in the child, and this pharmacological agent does not affect its cause.
For pain
Paracetamol also has an analgesic property, so this medication can be given to children with pain of various origins. For example, the medicine helps to alleviate the condition of the baby during teething if this process is painful. The use of Paracetamol also eliminates pain caused by trauma - sprain, bruise, etc.
This remedy is also used for headaches, sore throats and painful sensations of other localization.
How much “Paracetamol” to give a child at 2 years old is interesting to many parents.
Dosage form for a child of 2 years
If the drug "Paracetamol" must be taken by a two-year-old child, then, as a rule, choose one of these dosage forms:
- Suspension. The main advantage of this variant of the drug is the most accurate dosage, since the drug liquid is measured in milliliters using a measuring spoon or a special plastic syringe. Thanks to the sweet orange or strawberry flavor, most children take the suspension without any problems. As for the shortcomings, among them is the presence of sugar and other chemical components in the composition of the medication, to which the baby may have an allergic reaction. Which "Paracetamol" to give a child 2 years old, it is better to check with your doctor.
- Rectal suppositories. Among the advantages of this form are a large selection of dosages (suppositories of 500, 250, 100 and 50 mg), as well as a safe composition, since in addition to paracetamol, suppositories include only solid fats. For this reason, this medication is most often used in infants and babies, prone to the development of an allergic reaction. In addition, suppositories are usually chosen for difficulties with swallowing the suspension or if the child has vomiting.
- "Paracetamol" in tablets can be given to a child at 2 years of age, but this is rarely done. This is due to the fact that a child at a young age still does not know how to swallow a pill, and can easily choke. Therefore, the drug can be dissolved in a small amount of water or sweet syrup. The main disadvantage of this method is the bitter taste of the drug, which in some cases makes taking the drug impossible or causes children to vomit.
When are candles better than pills?
The therapeutic effect of Paracetamol in the form of oral forms is noted somewhat later than the action of rectal suppositories. In view of this fact, candles are used when it is necessary to quickly bring down the heat, or when the baby is sleeping, and there is no way to give him a pill or syrup.
Tablets are usually prescribed only for 6 years of age, however, in emergency cases, when there is no liquid medication and suppositories at hand, it is permissible to give a part of the tablet to the baby in two years.
Is the dosage of Paracetamol 500 mg suitable for children at 2 years of age?
Dosage for a two year old child
To find out both a single and admissible daily dosage of a medical preparation, the age of the child is not so much important, as its body weight. The amount of paracetamol recommended by specialists for children per 1 kg of body weight is from 10 to 15 mg. At the age of 2 years, a child can weigh as much as 10 and 15 kg, so a single dosage for children will be slightly different. For example, if the baby’s weight is 12 kg, then by calculation it can be determined that for him the dosage of Paracetamol should be 120-180 mg. Such a baby is usually given 5 ml of suspension at one time, they put half of the suppository 250 mg (125 mg), or give of the tablet medication.
Calculation
To determine the daily dosage, which in no case should be exceeded, it is necessary to multiply the child’s body weight by 60. For a two-year-old baby weighing 12 kg, the daily dose of the drug is 720 mg. This amount of active element is contained in 30 ml of suspension.
Thus, if a medication is prescribed three times a day, it is not given in an amount of more than 10 ml, and when used 4 times a day, do not exceed the dosage of 7.5 ml.
How to calculate how much "Paracetamol" is needed at a child’s temperature of 2 years?
Tablet dosage for children
The tablet preparation, as indicated in the instructions for use, is not recommended for children under 12 years of age, however, pediatricians widely prescribe this dosage form for babies after 6 years. At this age, the amount of active substance is 250 mg, which corresponds to ½ tablet means. After 12 years, you can no doubt give your child a whole pill.
How to give "Paracetamol" to a child at 2 years old, it is important to find out in advance.
Adverse reactions
Despite its good tolerance, Paracetamol can cause side effects in children, which are most often represented by allergic reactions. In some babies, a medication worsens the function of the liver and digestive system.
Taking the drug can harm the health of babies with gastrointestinal diseases, bronchial asthma and other diseases indicated in the instructions in the list of contraindications.
With prolonged use, this drug can worsen hematopoiesis, therefore, for the course of therapy without specialist supervision, certain restrictions are provided. If the drug is used to lower the temperature in a child, then this regimen is valid for three days. During use, medication can be given to children for up to 5 days to eliminate pain.
If you exceed the recommended dose, it can be dangerous for the internal organs of the child. Overdose symptoms usually manifest as irritation of the digestive organs, but with a very high dose, the drug affects the brain and liver. It is necessary to store the medicine so that the child cannot get it and drink it accidentally.
We examined how much "Paracetamol" to give a child at 2 years.