Media Release
19 September 2008
Keep using paracetamol for pain and fever in infants and children
New research suggesting a possible link between paracetamol and an increased risk of asthma in children, poses a useful reminder that medications should be always used carefully.
Ministry of Health Chief Advisor Clinical Services Development Dr Sandy Dawson says he acknowledges that the news can be a little concerning, particularly for many parents who treat pain and fever in their children with paracetamol - frequently following medical advice.
The Ministry believes that the finding warrants careful consideration but advises that paracetamol should continue to be used as directed until clearer information is available.
A recently-published report suggested a link between paracetamol and an increased risk of asthma in children.
Ministry of Health chief advisor, clinical services development, Dr Sandy Dawson, said paracetamol is a very effective medication, commonly used to treat pain and fever in babies and children.
Dr Dawson said Medsafe, New Zealand’s drug regulation agency communicates with an expert committee (the Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee) who would be carefully assessing all of the data currently available in order to identify any possible causal relationship between paracetamol and asthma.
“Although report from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) proves an association, the article does not prove that there is a cause and effect relationship,” Dr Dawson said.
“Information from Medsafe’s specialist advisory committee will be considered by the Ministry of Health and we will provide further advice should the situation change,” Sandy Dawson said.
If parents or caregivers want more information about when to give paracetamol for pain or fever they can call Healthline on 0800 611 116, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Further information on fever is available on the New Zealand Paediatric Society website: http://www.kidshealth.org.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/contentpage/pi_id/32
ENDS
For further information please contact: Karalyn van Deursen, Media Advisor(04) 496 2115 or (021) 832 459
Frequently asked questions – Information for parents/caregivers
Should I stop giving paracetamol to my child?
No. At this stage there is not sufficient evidence to prove that paracetamol causes asthma.
Are there alternative medicines I can give to my baby or child for fever or pain?
There are alternative pharmaceutical products recommended for children but they all have potential side effects. These include ibuprofen, diclofenac and codeine which have the potential to make asthma worse.
Aspirin should not be given, due to the potential to cause Reyes Syndrome.
Are there alternative treatments for fever?
Yes. Undress your child so that they are just wearing a single layer e.g. singlet and underwear or nappy. Make sure the room is not too hot or cold
Encourage them to drink fluids and eat healthy small meals or snacks. Babies should continue to be breastfeed.
If your child is happy, and they are not unwell, you do not need to do anything more. You do not need to treat the fever with a medicine.
If your child is miserable because of the fever, you can give paracetamol to make them more comfortable. You must follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. It is dangerous to give them more than the recommended dose.
What should I do if my baby’s fever doesn’t come down?
If your child is aged under three months and you are worried about them, they should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible. If your child is miserable and seems unwell and if the fever lasts for more than two days you should see a doctor, particularly is your child has been overseas in the last few weeks, has had contact with an infectious disease or has been in contact with a sick animal.
What temperature constitutes “a fever”?
Fever means the temperature inside the body is higher than normal. A normal temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius. Fever by itself does not tell you whether your child is seriously ill. A mild fever usually means up to 39 degrees Celsius; a high fever usually means more than 39 degrees Celsius.
Is it unsafe for a child to have a fever?
Fever is a normal way for a child to fight an infection. Being hot may make your child feel unhappy or uncomfortable, but the high temperature is very unlikely to cause any long-term problems. Some children have convulsions when they have fevers. These may look very worrying, but even these febrile convulsions are very unlikely to cause long-term problems.
My child has asthma, and is on medication for this, is it safe for me to give them paracetamol as well?
The Paediatric Society of New Zealand does not currently have recommendations regarding the use of paracetamol in children with asthma. You should continue to use paracetamol and discuss this with your GP if you are concerned.
How many people in New Zealand are affected by asthma?
Approximately 16% of adults and 25% of children are affected by asthma.
(Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ - derived from work by Prof. Richard Beasley in 2001 and are currently being updated.)
Does the study refer to the medicine (liquid) version of paracetamol or the panadol tablets? Do they have the same active ingredients?
The liquid, tablet, powder and capsules all have the same active ingredient: paracetamol. A number of paracetamol-containing products also include other active ingredients. This would include products for coughs and colds.
Who carried out the research?
A group of doctors and academics from around the world, including four New Zealand authors.
Where can I get more information?
Source: Information on Fever - Paediatric Society of NZ website http://www.kidshealth.org.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/contentpage/pi_id/32