Use of antipyretic analgesics in the pediatric patient.

Fever and pain are the most common issues in pediatric patient management. Acetaminophen, aspirin, and dipyrone are the most commonly used drugs and are equivalent in their efficacy. Dipyrone, used in many parts of the world, but not in the United States, is an effective agent; however, it has been implicated in producing agranulocytosis and anaphylactic shock. The salicylates have anti-inflammatory effects making them appropriate for the treatment of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but they are gastric irritants, may impair clotting, and, because of saturable kinetics, may lead to accumulation and toxicity. Acetaminophen is an effective antipyretic and analgesic with few side effects that is toxic only in massive overdose.