Utilisation study of antipyretic drugs in paediatric patients

Abstract

Background: Fevers are common in children with underlying diseases, so antipyretics are often used. However, no specific guidelines exist for the use of antipyretics in children. Objective: This study aimed to determine the profile of antipyretics used by paediatric inpatients at Universitas Airlangga Hospital and to identify possible side effects and interactions associated with antipyretics use. Method: This observational study was conducted from March to June 2023. Convenience sampling was used to collect retrospective data from patients’ medical records, which were then analysed descriptively. Result: A total of 87 paediatric patients met the inclusion criteria. All paediatric patients received intravenous metamizole as an antipyretic treatment (100.0%), with 3 x 8 - 20 mg/kgBW as needed (55.2%) being the most used dosage regimen. Metamizole as monotherapy was the most widely used pattern (80.5%), and it showed the shortest mean duration of therapy. Paracetamol was only used in switching (11.5%) and alternating (8.1%) patterns. Abdominal pain was the most actual suspected side effect of metamizole (3.4%). No potential drug interactions associated with antipyretics were found. Conclusion: In general, intravenous metamizole effectively reduced fever in most paediatric patients at Universitas Airlangga Hospital.