Page 141 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:29

Non-Pharmacological Treatment
• Encourage rest and adequate fluid intake (to offset insensible losses from fever).
• Use light clothing/bed covers, maintain comfortable ambient temperature.
• Sponge patient with tepid water or place cool compresses if patient is uncomfortable
(avoid cold water/shock).
• Monitor temperature and overall condition.
• Ensure environment is safe for children/infants, avoid overheating.
• Educate patient/caregiver on how to measure temperature reliably (e.g., thermometer
rather than just feeling forehead). ( )

Pharmacological Treatment
• OTC antipyretics: acetaminophen (paracetamol) or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) per labelled
dosing. ( )
• Pharmacist role: advise correct dosing, especially in children (weight-based dosing), check
other medications to avoid duplication or overdose (e.g., acetaminophen in multiple products). ( )
• Check contraindications: e.g., NSAIDs in patients with gastric ulcer, kidney disease,
asthma; acetaminophen with liver disease.
• As a pharmacist you may monitor that underlying cause is addressed (infection, hydration,
etc.) and advise when treatment is insufficient → referral.

Patient Counselling Tips
• Explain that fever is a symptom, not always “the disease”: the aim is comfort and treating
any underlying cause rather than just temperature number.
• Show how to use the thermometer correctly, interpret readings, and when to repeat.
• Emphasise correct dosing: e.g., only one antipyretic at a time unless advised by physician;
follow label; do not exceed maximum daily dose.
• Educate caregivers (for children) regarding fluid intake, signs of dehydration, and when to
seek medical help.
• Warn about ‘cold baths’ or overdressing child → may raise core temperature further.

140