Antipyretics
Paracetamol and other antipyretics are often used to treat the febrile child, research identifying however, that the
protective mechanism of fever outweighs treatment. Paracetamol can in fact block the protective mechanism that a simple
fever provides (Warwick 2010).
NICE (2007) does however suggest that paracetamol is indicated if the child is uncomfortable. A child may feel
generalised malaise, look pale, be anorexic, have altered perfusion, abnormal vital signs and have rigors (Broom 2007). In these instances, appropriate administration of paracetamol is applicable.