Alternating antipyretics: antipyretic efficacy of acetaminophen versus acetaminophen alternated with ibuprofen in children

Abstract

Methods A prospective, randomized double-blind placebo control study comparing the efficacy of acetaminophen to acetaminophen alternated with ibuprofen in 38 healthy outpatient children 6 months to 6 years presenting to the outpatient clinic with fever >38 degrees C was conducted. Temperatures were recorded at 0, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours. Side effect diaries and parental perception of efficacy were filled out hourly by parents.Results There were no significant differences in temperature between the 2 groups at times 0, 3, and 6 hours. The alternating group had significantly lower mean temperatures at both 4 hours (38.0 degrees C vs 37.4 degrees C; P = .05) and 5 hours (37.1 degrees C vs 37.9 degrees C; P = .0032). Parents did not perceive any difference in fever control between the groups.Conclusions An alternating regimen of acetaminophen with ibuprofen significantly decreased fever at 4 and 5 hours compared with acetaminophen alone. However, parents did not perceive a difference in efficacy.