Fervex for children: instructions for use
When adults have a cold or ARVI, they often use effective multi-component remedies to combat the symptoms of such diseases, for example, Fervex. This medication contains a combination of antipyretics (500 mg paracetamol), vitamin C and an antihistamine. Thanks to these components, the drug helps to get rid of headaches, fever, sneezing, nasal congestion and other discomfort symptoms.
However, it is impossible to give the usual “Fervex” to young children, because the dosages of the active compounds in such portion bags are calculated on the age over 15 years. For younger patients, Fervex for Children is released. The main difference between such a drug and an adult drug is the amount of each of the active ingredients. When such a medicine is indicated for children, what negative effects can it provoke and by what similar means is it replaced?
Release form
“Fervex for children” is represented by bags, inside of which there are 3 grams of light yellow powder. The drug is sold in boxes of 6 or 8 bags. After mixing the powder with water, a yellow solution with a banana flavor is obtained.
Composition
Action "Ferveksa for children" provides three active ingredients:
- paracetamol in the amount of 280 mg in each bag;
- ascorbic acid, which in one package is 100 mg;
- Pheniramine Maleate, the dosage of which in 1 sachet is 10 mg.
Additionally, there is anhydrous trimagnesium dicitrate and riboflavin in the form of sodium phosphate. For sweet taste, aspartame and sucrose are added to the medicament, and the pleasant smell of the finished solution is provided by the banana-caramel flavor.
Operating principle
The therapeutic effects of "Ferveksa for children" are due to its constituent drugs.
- Have paracetamol, which is a group of anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal agents, has the property to influence cyclooxygenase in the tissues of the central nervous system. By affecting these enzymes, paracetamol affects the centers of thermoregulation and pain, which explains the antipyretic and analgesic effect of this component of Fervex.
- Pheniramine is a receptor blocker for the active compound called histamine. Due to this effect, such an ingredient of the powder helps to eliminate swelling and redness of the mucous membrane in the nasopharynx, as well as in the paranasal sinuses.
- Presence in medication vitamin C helps to increase the body's resistance to infection and other provoking factors. This component is very important for reducing and oxidative processes. In addition, ascorbic acid decreases the permeability of the vascular walls.
Indications
The children's version of “Fervex”, as well as the drug for adults, is used as a short-term symptomatic remedy for rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, ARVI, flu and other acute respiratory diseases, manifestations of which are moderate headaches, nasal discharge, fever, weakness, aches in muscles and so on.
From what age is prescribed?
According to the annotation to the drug, "Ferveks for children" is intended for the treatment of patients aged from six to fifteen years.Children under 6 years of age are not prescribed this drug, as the doses of the active compounds in the portion bag are not designed for an early age.
For adolescents over 15 years old, the dosage of ingredients in one sachet will not be sufficient, therefore, they switch to taking Fervex for adults.
Contraindications
The drug is not used in children with:
- blood diseases;
- severe pathologies of the kidneys;
- severe liver damage;
- lack of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase;
- hypersensitivity to paracetamol or any other component of the powder.
If diabetes is found in a child, the use of Fervex requires caution, since the amount of sucrose in one sachet should be taken into account.
Side effects
The components of the medicine can adversely affect the digestive system, resulting in dry mouth, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea and other symptoms. In some patients, Vervex provokes drowsiness, anemia, thrombocytopenia, urinary retention. In addition, the medication may cause skin rash, angioedema, or other allergic reaction.
Application
According to the instructions, the contents of one sachet should be combined with 200 milliliters of water. To prepare the solution is recommended to use warm boiled water. The tool is used for a short time - no longer than five days.
If after 3 days of treatment, the body temperature remains elevated, and after 5 days of pain persists, the child should be shown to the doctor.
A single dose of children's "Ferveksa" for a patient of any age is one bag. At the same time, a child of 6-10 years old can be given medication no more than twice a day. If a child is 10-12 years old, let's say a triple dose, and at 12-15 years of age, the drug can be drunk four times a day. There must be a minimum interval of 4 hours between taking the medicine.
Overdose
If you give the child a higher dose of the drug, it will cause pale skin, abdominal pain, drowsiness, nausea and other negative symptoms. In addition, an overdose of medication or too long treatment with Fervex for Children has a detrimental effect on blood formation (it provokes hemolysis or aplastic anemia), kidney function and liver condition.
Drug interaction
The drug should not be given to children who are already taking paracetamol or any means with paracetamol. Due to the presence of pheniramine in the powder, it increases the effectiveness of sedatives, and, while taking antipsychotic drugs, increases the risk of side effects. The combination of "Fervex" with barbiturates, rifampicin, antidepressants and some other drugs enhances the hepatotoxic effect of the powder.
If prescribed with salicylates, this will increase the risk of kidney damage. Do not combine "Ferveks" and chloramphenicol, as the toxicity of this antibiotic will increase. Due to the presence of paracetamol, the powder is able to increase the effect of anticoagulants and reduce the effectiveness of uricosuric drugs.
Terms of sale and storage
"Fervex for children" is sold in pharmacies without a prescription and costs an average of 300 rubles (price for 8 sachets). It is advisable to keep the medication at home at room temperature until the end of its shelf life of 3 years.
Packages must be in a dry place where a small child will not find them.
Reviews
In most cases, the use of "Fervex for children" is positive, confirming that this drug helps to quickly eliminate the symptoms of a cold. Most patients like the taste of the medicine, and the mother’s release form is quite convenient.
The only disadvantage of medication is that it is a symptomatic remedy and does not affect the cause of the disease. If given at the height of the disease, the effect may be too weak. In addition, in some children, Fervex causes side effects, such as nausea.
Analogs
A full replacement for the children's “Ferwex” can be called “Rinzasip for children"Because the composition of these medicines is the same. From the powder "Rinzasip" prepare a raspberry solution, which is taken in the same way as "Fervex for children." Consider a few more analogues.
- «AntiHrippin for kids". This remedy is represented by effervescent tablets. It also includes paracetamol and ascorbic acid, and phenyramine in this preparation is replaced by chlorphenamine. Tablets are prescribed to patients older than 3 years.
- «AntiFlu Kids». The effect of such a tool is provided by the same components as in the children's AntiGrippina, but due to the lower dosage, this drug is allowed from the age of two. It comes in powder form with a raspberry flavor, packaged in sachets of 12 g each.
- «Coldrex Junior». Such a drug, like Fervex, is represented by portion packets of lemon powder. It helps eliminate the symptoms of SARS through a combination of vitamin C, phenylephrine and paracetamol. For children, this medication is prescribed from 6 years of age.
If the child is already 12 years old, he can be given such analogues as:
- "Adzhikold Hotmiks" - bags with orange powder;
- "Grippo for cold and flu" - bags of powder, from which a raspberry, cranberry, strawberry or currant drink is obtained;
- Star Flew - powder in bags from which prepare drink with tastes of lemon, orange or raspberry.
The first preparation contains a combination of ascorbic acid, phenylephrine and paracetamol, and in the other two phenyramine is also added to them, therefore such means cope very effectively with different manifestations of ARD. Moreover, they are all considered symptomatic and should be taken no longer than 3-5 days.
In the next video, Dr. Komarovsky will answer all the questions about antipyretics for children.