Warnings on the Use and Risks of Fever-Reducing Medications in Istanbul
Following the death of a three-year-old child in Istanbul amid allegations of a high dose, experts warned about the proper use of fever-reducing medications in children.
The death of a 3-year-old girl in Istanbul, allegedly due to a high dose of fever-reducing syrup administered to her, has brought the issue of medication use in children back to the agenda, and an investigation has been launched.
Development of the Incident and Investigation Process
In the incident in Istanbul, it was claimed that a 3-year-old girl lost her life due to a high dose of fever-reducing syrup allegedly given to her. The judicial investigation process regarding the little child's death continues at full speed.
Correct Medication Dose and Use of Measuring Devices
The number of milliliters of fever-reducing syrup to be given must be determined by the child's physician based on weight and height. Medications must not be given randomly from outside sources, but strictly with their own special measuring device, paying meticulous attention to hourly intervals.
Expert Recommendations and Fever Management
Pediatrics and Child Health Specialist Dr. Günay Cantürk explicitly stated that for fevers above 38 degrees Celsius, the child's clothing should be thinned out and an appropriate room temperature must be ensured.
Cantürk emphasized that fever-reducing medications contain the active ingredients paracetamol and ibuprofen, and that paracetamol should be given at the earliest 4-hour intervals and ibuprofen at 6-hour intervals.
Dangers of Side Effects
Experts state that unconscious medication use can lead to serious health problems. Warnings were issued that excessive or incorrect use of paracetamol, in particular, can lead to dangerous side effects such as liver failure, heart problems, and stomach bleeding.