Management of Fever in Children and Simple Cough and Cold

Question 1

Outline 2 antipyretic medications that are used to treat fever in children (include the name, dose and age)

Answer 1

Paracetomal
1. Can be used from 1 month up
2. 15mg/kg every 4 to 6 hours

Ibuprofen
1. Can be used from 3 months up
2. 5-10mg/kg every 6-8 hours

Question 2

List 3 non-pharmalogical recommendations to manage fever

Answer 2

1. Gradually increase water intake to ensure adequate hydration
2. Wash face with a warm tepid cloth (cold baths not recommended)
3. Dress in light clothing

Question 3

List the red flags in children with fever

Answer 3

1. Child has experienced febrile convulsion for more than 5 minutes in duration
2. Condition worsens
3. Fever in young children aged less than 3 months
4. Fever has laster for more than 3 days

Question 4

Medication cough syrups are not recommended for children of which age?

Answer 4

< 6 years and 12 years

Question 5

List 4 red flags for cough

Answer 5

• Persistent nocturnal cough
• Chest pain
• Haemoptytis
• Shortness of breath

Question 6

What are the 2 drug ingredients used to treat DRY COUGH

Answer 6

1. dextromethophan (robitussin, benedryl) - S2
2. dihydrocodiene (rikodiene) - S3
   - both come under OPOID derivatives which suppress the drug reflex.

Question 7

What are the 2 drug ingredients used to treat CHESTY COUGH

Answer 7

1. Guafenesin (S2)
2. Bromhexine (S2)

Question 8

What causes a sore throat?

Answer 8

• 90% likely it is a viral infection
• Lasts 3 to 7 days
• resolves without treatment

Question 9

List 4 red flags of a sore throat

Answer 9

• Dysphagia
• high temperature and swollen glands
• associated skin rash

Question 10

What medications are used to treat sore throat?

Answer 10

Anti-inflammatories, Anasthetics (reduces pain sensation) Antiseptics (reduces bacterial and viral load)

Question 11

What brand products (usally found in a pharmacy) are used to treat sore throat?

Answer 11

1. Strepsils (lozenge)
2. Difflam (lozenge)
3. Cepecaine (mouthwash)

Question 12

List the meds tha treat nasal congestion

Answer 12

Oxymetazoline (S2), xylometazoline (S2),
tramazoline (S2), phenylephrine

Question 13

With complementary medicines what are the practice points we need to remember

Answer 13

1. Can trigger adverse events
2. Efficacy varies between individuals

Question 14

Which medication had an uncertain future?

Answer 14

Oral phenylephrine