Common Cold

Question 1

Paracetamol (500mg) tablets

Answer 1

Adults, children > 12; 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours prn for fever (max 8 tabs/day)

Question 2

Paracetamol suspension (1-5 years) - 120mg/5mL

Answer 2

May be taken every 4-6 hours prn (max 4 doses/d)
10-12kg: 6-8ml
12-14kg: 8-9ML
14-16kg: 9-10ml
16-18kg: 10-11ml

Question 3

Paracetamol suspension (5-12y) - 240mg/5mL (48mg/ml)

Answer 3

Admin every 4-6 hours in water or fruit juice prn (max 4 doses/d)
15xkg/48
- 18-20kg: 6mL
- 20-22kg: 6-7mL
- 22-25kg: 7-8mL
- 25-28kg: 8-9 mL
- 28-32kg: 9-10mL
- 32-36kg: 10-11mL

Question 4

Paracetamol infant drops

Answer 4

4-6kg: 0.6-0.9mL
6-8kg: 0.0-1.2mL
8-10kg: 1.2-1.5mL
10-11kg: 1.5-1.8mL

Question 5

Ibuprofen tablets (200mg)

Answer 5

Swallow whole
- Adults, children > 12; 1-2 tabs every 4-6 hours (max 6 tabs/d)
- Only use for 3 days
- Adverse effects: headache / nausea / fatigue

Question 6

oxymetazoline 0.05%

Answer 6

Intranasal decongestant - relieve nasal congestion (use 3 days max)
- Do not share with other people
- blow nose before use
- keep head upright, insert nozzle into one nostril and close the other
- pump and sniff deeply
- Adults, children >6: 1-2 sprays in each nostril 2-3 times per day prn
- Adverse effects: nasal irritation / increased nasal discharge
- SAFE FOR P+BF

Question 7

pseudoephedrine (60mg)

Answer 7

Oral decongestant (MAX 7 DAYS)
Record when dispensing
Adults, children > 12; 1 tablet 3/4 times daily as necessary (max 4 tablets)
- Adverse effects: drowsiness, weakness, nausea

Question 8

Referral common cold

Answer 8

• fever
  -severe vomiting
• difficulty breathing (wheezing)
• severe pain
• chest pain
• neck stiffness
• rash or spot