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.