Acetaminophen: more harm than good for chickenpox?

J Pediatr. 1989 Jun;114(6):1045-8. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(89)80461-5.

Abstract

Study objective: To determine whether acetaminophen affects the duration or severity of childhood varicella.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting: Office- and hospital-based pediatric practices.

Patients: Seventy-two children between 1 and 12 years of age entered the study. One child was withdrawn because of high fever, and three children did not complete the study; 31 received placebo and 37 received acetaminophen.

Interventions: Acetaminophen, 10 mg/kg/dose, was given at 8 AM, 12 PM, 4 PM, and 8 PM for 4 days. Placebo was given to the control group. Itching, appetite, activity, and overall condition were measured for 6 days. The time to last vesicle formation, time to total scabbing, and time to total healing were measured until complete resolution of the exanthem.

Measurements and main results: The following results were better in the placebo group (p less than .05): time to total scabbing 5.6 days (SD 2.5) versus 6.7 days (SD 2.3) in the acetaminophen group, and itching on day 4 in the placebo group (symptom score 2.9 (SD 0.20) vs 2.2 (SD 0.26]. Activity was better in the acetaminophen group on day 2 (3.13 (SD 0.23) vs 2.82 (SD 0.24].

Conclusions: These results provide evidence that acetaminophen does not alleviate symptoms in children with varicella and may prolong illness.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / administration & dosage
  • Acetaminophen / adverse effects
  • Acetaminophen / therapeutic use*
  • Chickenpox / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Random Allocation

Substances

  • Acetaminophen