Medication Science Popularization | Our pharmacists participate in the live broadcast of Jinling Pharmacist Voice on Nanjing Radio Station

Recently, pharmacist Li Zhenxing from the Pharmacy Department of Taikang Xianlin Gulou Hospital was invited to participate in the "Jinling Pharmacist Voice" science popularization program "Health Square" jointly organized by the Nanjing Pharmaceutical Association and Nanjing Radio Station.

Pharmacist Li Zhenxing explained in the program the treatment methods for babies with fever and the selection and use of antipyretic drugs, and reminded parents to pay attention to storing antipyretic drugs properly to prevent children from ingesting them.

How to choose antipyretics for babies?

Fever is usually a normal response of the body to resist viruses or bacteria. Children over 2 months old with axillary body temperature exceeding 38.2 degrees Celsius and accompanied by discomfort may consider using antipyretics, but it is necessary to make a comprehensive judgment based on the specific situation of the child.

The commonly used antipyretic drugs include acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and it is not recommended to use them alternately. Be careful not to self medicate with other drugs containing the same antipyretic ingredients, and do not increase the frequency of administration without authorization to avoid drug poisoning caused by overdose. When facing medication difficulties, prescription antipyretic suppositories can be considered.

It is not recommended to use antipyretics preventively for fever after vaccination. If fever occurs after vaccination, the child's condition should be closely monitored and medical attention should be sought if necessary.

How to store antipyretic medicine after opening?

If antipyretic syrup is available, once opened, its shelf life will be affected. Generally speaking, the storage time of antipyretic syrup at room temperature after opening the bottle is about one month. Beyond the time limit, the medication may lose its effectiveness and even deteriorate.

To extend the storage time of antipyretic syrup, it is best to store the bottle in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Generally speaking, the best storage temperature for drugs is between 15 ° C and 30 ° C. In addition, it is important to ensure that the bottle cap is well sealed to prevent air and moisture from entering the bottle, thereby slowing down the oxidation and degradation rate of the medication.

Additionally, pay attention to observing the appearance and odor of the medication. If the antipyretic syrup becomes cloudy, has a strange odor, or the medicine settles, these indicate that the medication may spoil and should be stopped from use.

How to prevent children from accidentally ingesting medication?

① Storage location selection: Place the medication at a high place that children cannot reach, such as an elevated cabinet or a locked medicine cabinet.

② Tight closure of bottle cap: After each use of medication, it is important to ensure that the bottle cap is tightly closed to prevent children from opening it and accidentally ingesting it. Choose bottle caps with safety lock function to further increase safety.

③ Education reminder: For older children, drug safety education can be provided, telling them that drugs are not toys and should be used with the accompaniment of parents or guardians.

④ Emergency response plan: including calling emergency numbers, contacting doctors and hospitals as soon as possible, and providing necessary emergency measures.

⑤ Regular inspection: Regularly inspect the medicine cabinet to ensure that all drugs are in a safe condition and have not expired or deteriorated. Expired drugs should be disposed of in a timely manner to prevent children from ingesting them by mistake.

experts

Li Zhenxing

Chief pharmacist

Practicing pharmacist and clinical pharmacist at Taikang Xianlin Gulou Hospital, dedicated to hospital pharmaceutical research and pharmaceutical science popularization. In the past 2 years, as deputy editor in chief, he has written 2 pharmaceutical professional works, published 1 paper in a domestic core journal, and 2 pharmaceutical science popularization articles in provincial media, which have been reprinted by several media outlets.