ACETAMINOPHEN PROPHYLAXIS FOR DPT–POLIO IMMUNIZATION

Abstract

Adverse reactions to the use of adsorbed DPT-Polio immunization are frequent and well documented. In a randomized, double blind, controlled trial, we studied the effect of acetaminophen prophylaxis in an attempt to diminish these reactions. Infants between 2 and 6 months of age immunized with adsorbed DPT-Polio who received acetaminophen prophylactically had significantly less reactions than those who received placebo. Only 27.6% of acetaminophen-treated children developed a fever >38.0°C compared with 43.5% of placebo-treated children. In addition only 3.3% of the acetaminophen-treated children developed a fever >39.0°C compared with 12.7% of the placebo-treated children. The overall severity of reactions rated by parents as none to mild in acetaminophen-treated infants was highly significant: 82.7% compared with 56% in placebo-treated infants. Severe reactions were reported in <1% of infants given acetaminophen compared to 13% of placebo-treated infants. Twice as many parents (38%) in the placebo group switched to acetaminophen because of concern over observed reactions compared with only 18.9% in the acetaminophen group. Finally, both systemic reactions including anorexia, fretfulness, and crying and local reactions including redness and pain were significantly more likely to occur in the placebo-treated group. Infants immunized at 18 months of age demonstrated no significant differences between the acetaminophen-treated group and the placebo-treated group.

We conclude that acetaminophen prophylaxis administered at the time of the primary series of DPT-Polio immunization can significantly diminish most adverse reactions.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD