The World Health Organization treatment guidelines group endorses the use of ibuprofen and paracetamol to treat fevers. Reports suggest that antipyretics may lengthen malaria parasitic infection. However, researchers generally regard paracetamol as safe and well tolerated when used as directed. This article discusses paracetamol’s role in treating malaria, the risks of using it as the only treatment and how malaria should be addressed.
How does paracetamol help with malaria treatment?
The main objective of treating malaria is to get rid of the parasites using prescribed anti-malarial medications. However, you will need additional treatments to reduce the symptoms of malaria and its complications. Some of the malaria symptoms and signs that frequently call for treatment include fever, aches, convulsions, and dehydration. Medication such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs, and physical methods such as sponging with tepid water, fanning, and the use of cooling blankets are common methods of treating fever. Researchers think that treatment for fever may improve patients’ symptoms and shield kids from febrile convulsions. Malaria fever is occasionally treated with physical methods, particularly tepid sponging, in addition to antipyretic medications.
Is it risky to treat malaria solely with paracetamol?
Yes, it would be risky. This is because acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a typical antipyretic medication used in children and to treat malarial fever. It also has analgesic properties. A few of its side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In the absence of immediate appropriate treatment, paracetamol overuse may have negative effects on the liver. This can quickly result in hepatic failure.
The World Health Organization recommends paracetamol as a treatment for malaria fever. However, fever reducers have no effect on the complete and sustained disappearance of fever in malaria. Furthermore, they have no impact on how long it takes for the parasites in the blood to disappear during a malaria episode.
How should malaria be treated?
You must get the treatment for malaria before it worsens and becomes life-threatening. The doctor should start numerous potent antimalarial medications right away. If you are ill and are currently in or have recently been in an area where malaria is present, the most important thing to do is to see a doctor and get the diagnosis and treatment.
Prescription medications can treat malaria. The kind of drugs and the length of the treatment course are all influenced by the type of malaria, the site of infection, the patient’s age, whether she is pregnant, the severity of her illness at the beginning of treatment, and the location of the infection.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
