To evaluate the antipyretic effects and safety of ibuprofen compared with acetaminophen in febrile children.
DATA SOURCES:
Searches of MEDLINE (1966–November 2003) and EMBASE (1988–November 2003) were conducted using the terms ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Bibliographies of selected articles were reviewed.
DATA SYNTHESIS:
Ibuprofen was significantly more effective than acetaminophen in reducing fever after a single dose. Ibuprofen was found to be more effective after 6 hours, but not after a longer period of time. Studies with multiple doses have also failed to show that one drug is better than the other.
CONCLUSIONS:
The efficacy and effectiveness of acetaminophen and ibuprofen in their recommended dosages are similar, with slightly more beneficial effects shown with ibuprofen.
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