Although the intensity of the triple epidemic of Covid, bronchiolitis and influenza has decreased in recent weeks in France, “supply tensions remain strong in France, as more generally on a planetary scale”, recalls this 3 February a press release from the Ministry of Health. Supply tensions concern in particular amoxicillin and paracetamol. The government has also recently suspended the online sale of last.
Coast pediatric paracetamol, doliprane 100 mg, scored suppository is out of stock.
Also, the Medicines Agency (ANSM) published this Thursday “the list of pediatric drugs to be used according to the weight of the child”.
- For children between 3 and 4kg
Given the shortage of stock of doliprane 100 mg, scored suppository, the following 2 multidose drinkable forms of paracetamol should be reserved primarily for children weighing 3 to 4 kg:
– Doliprane 2.4 percent, oral suspension
– Dolko 60 mg/2 ml, oral solution in vial (from 3.5 kg)
- For children above 4 kg
Several alternative presentations to multi-dose drinkable forms of paracetamol are available for children from 4 kg, the choice of which must be made according to the weight of the child. See here.
When to use paracetamol in case of fever in children?
The ANSM reminds you that it is not necessary to give your child medicine for fever if their temperature does not exceed 38.5°C.
In addition, before administering paracetamol to the child, simple gestures can relieve a child of fever and associated signs of discomfort. It can be, for example:
- take off layers of clothing, without undressing him completely,
- install it in a cool, ventilated room (between 18 and 20°C).
- give him something to drink, even if he doesn’t ask you to, cold water for example.
If paracetamol is necessary, an adapted dosage over a limited period
“We invite you to seek the opinion of a doctor or pharmacist to determine if taking paracetamol is suitable for your child, recommends the ANSM. In any case, do not build up a stock of paracetamol, whatever its form, and make reasonable use of this drug.
When to worry about a fever?
Fever is a normal reaction of the body which serves to fight infections. So don’t worry if your child has a fever. However, if he exhibits abnormal behavior, then it is advisable to consult. Three parameters need to be checked:
- The behaviour : is the child toneddoes he respond to his name, what is his state of consciousness?
- Coloring: is the child pale, blue, mottled ?
- Breathing : Is the child’s breathing normal or too fast?
“The alteration of one of these three parameters which persists after taking doliprane calls for a consultation in the emergency room or with the pediatrician“, had explained to Top Health the pediatrician Dr. Vaucan Gitto. Read also: Baby and child fever: when to go to the emergency room?
Sources: Paracetamol supply tensions: the ANSM publishes the list of pediatric drugs to be used according to the weight of the child, February 2, 2023.
