Underdosing of an antipyretic agent to a child can result in:
(1) inadequate control of fever
(2) distress in the child and parents
(3) unnecessary visits to the doctor or Emergency Department
Reasons why an inadequate dose of an antipyretic agent may be given:
(1) child is an infant
(2) antipyretic is acetaminophen
(3) dosing is not based on the child's weight but rather is based on guessing, height of fever, age or other factor
Additional factors that may contribute:
(1) lack of parental training or understanding about dosing
(2) parental concern about overdosing or the safety of the medication
(3) not having an accurate way to measure the dose
