Which drug is associated with the risk of Reye's syndrome in children?

Which drug is associated with the risk of Reye's syndrome in children?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Ibuprofen
• C. Aspirin
• D. Diflunisal

Answer: (C)

Aspirin is the drug most associated with Reye's syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver, and it has a well-established link to giving aspirin during a viral illness, such as influenza or varicella. The risk likely involves mitochondrial injury in the liver that leads to impaired fatty acid metabolism, resulting in liver dysfunction and potential brain swelling (encephalopathy) as ammonia builds up. Because of this danger, aspirin is avoided in children and teens with viral infections. For fever or pain in kids, safer alternatives like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are preferred. Diflunisal is less commonly used in children and is not the classic drug associated with Reye's syndrome in the way aspirin is.

Aspirin is the drug most associated with Reye's syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver, and it has a well-established link to giving aspirin during a viral illness, such as influenza or varicella. The risk likely involves mitochondrial injury in the liver that leads to impaired fatty acid metabolism, resulting in liver dysfunction and potential brain swelling (encephalopathy) as ammonia builds up. Because of this danger, aspirin is avoided in children and teens with viral infections. For fever or pain in kids, safer alternatives like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are preferred. Diflunisal is less commonly used in children and is not the classic drug associated with Reye's syndrome in the way aspirin is.