Pharmacologic Profile

General Use

Used to lower fever of many causes (infection and inflammation).

General Action and Information

Antipyretics lower fever by affecting thermoregulation in the CNS and by inhibiting the action of prostaglandins peripherally. Many antipyretics affect platelet function; of these, aspirin has the most profound effect as compared with other salicylates or NSAIDs.

Contraindications

Avoid aspirin or NSAIDs in patients with bleeding disorders (risk of bleeding is less with other salicylates). Aspirin and other salicylates should be avoided in children and adolescents.

Precautions

Use aspirin or NSAIDs cautiously in patients with peptic ulcer disease. Avoid chronic use of large doses of acetaminophen.

Interactions

Large doses of aspirin may displace other highly protein-bound drugs. Additive GI irritation with aspirin and other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Aspirin or NSAIDs may ↑ the risk of bleeding with other agents affecting hemostasis (anticoagulants, thrombolytic agents, antiplatelets, and antineoplastics).

Nursing Implications

Assessment

• Assess fever; note presence of associated symptoms (diaphoresis, tachycardia, and malaise).

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

• Risk for imbalanced body temperature (Indications)
• Deficient knowledge related to disease processes and medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)

Implementation

• Administration with food or antacids may minimize GI irritation.
• Available in oral and rectal dosage forms and in combination with other drugs.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Advise patient to consult health care professional if fever is not relieved by routine doses or if greater than 39.5°C (103°F) or lasts longer than 3 days.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against giving aspirin to children or adolescents with varicella (chickenpox) or influenza-like or viral illnesses because of a possible association with Reye's syndrome.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Reduction of fever.