Ibuprofen gives longer lasting relief in fever

Ibuprofen gives a longer lasting relief of antipyretic action in children with fever but paracetamol has a slightly faster onset, according to a systematic review from the United States ( Pharmacotherapy 2004;24:280-4 ).

The review included 22 trials of ibuprofen or paracetamol in children with fever published between 1966 and 2000. Overall, the drugs were equally well tolerated. Paracetamol produced a greater reduction in body temperature 30 minutes after administration, but ibuprofen was more effective at 4 hours and the initial fall in temperature was more sustained.

A second review of antipyretic efficacy in children, this time of publications published between 1966 and 2003 ( Ann Pharmacother 2004;38:146-50 ), has also concluded that ibuprofen is superior. It is significantly more effective at reducing fever than paracetamol 6 hours after a single dose (though not after a longer period). Studies of multiple doses have not reported any difference between the two.

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