Medicines to reduce fever are antipyretics or anti-inflammatories, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, which act by reducing the formation of substances that cause an increase in body temperature, especially in cases of flu or the common cold.
Fever is the body’s way of defending itself against aggressive agents such as viruses or bacteria, and is an important sign that something is wrong with the body. If the fever is very high, above 39ºC, or does not go down, despite taking medication, it is important to consult a doctor to check the cause and treat it appropriately. See the main causes of fever.
It is important that medicines to reduce fever are used under medical advice as they have contraindications and side effects. Furthermore, in the case of children or pregnant women, not all medications are indicated, and therefore, they must be used under the guidance of a pediatrician or obstetrician, with doses adapted taking into account age, weight and intensity of symptoms.
Fever medicines
The medicines that are most recommended by the doctor to reduce fever are:
1. Paracetamol
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is the antipyretic medicine most recommended by doctors to reduce fever in adults or children, as it works by reducing the production of specific substances in the body, responsible for causing fever, especially in cases of colds or flu. Furthermore, this medicine also has an analgesic action that helps reduce body pain or discomfort, which are other common symptoms in cold and flu situations.
This medicine can be found in the form of tablets, syrup or drops, under the trade name Tylenol, or as generic paracetamol. Find out how to take paracetamol to reduce a fever.
Paracetamol should not be used by people who have liver problems, such as liver failure, or who abuse or constantly use alcoholic beverages.
2. Dipyrone
Dipyrone, also known as dipyrone monohydrate or dipyrone sodium, is another remedy with antipyretic action that can be indicated to reduce fever in adults, adolescents or children, in addition to relieving discomfort and body pain caused by flu and colds, for example. example.
This medicine can be found under the trade names Novalgina, Anador or Maxalgina, for example, in the form of drops, tablets, syrup or suppositories, and should only be used under medical advice. See how to take dipyrone.
Dipyrone should not be used by people who have impaired bone marrow function, diseases related to the production of blood cells or who are allergic to dipyrone or other medicines for fever or pain, such as acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin or naproxen, for example.
3. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent indicated in cases of fever caused by the flu, common colds or sore throat, for example, as it reduces the formation of substances that cause an increase in body temperature.
This medicine can be found in the form of drops, tablets, gelatin capsules or oral suspension, such as generic ibuprofen or with the trade names Alivium, Advil or Ibupril, for example, and must be used under medical advice. Find out how to take ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen should not be used in cases of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding or liver, kidney or heart failure, and should also not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 6 months of age. The use of ibuprofen in children under 2 years of age should only be done under medical supervision. Furthermore, ibuprofen should not be used in cases of dengue fever.
4. Acetylsalicylic acid
Acetylsalicylic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that can be used to treat inflammation, reduce fever and relieve pain in the body caused by flu or colds, and can be used by adults or children with guidance from a pediatrician. Check out other indications for acetylsalicylic acid.
This medicine is found in the form of tablets with the names Aspirin or AAS, for example, and should not be used by people who have a tendency to bleeding, stomach or intestinal ulcers, asthma, severe kidney, liver or heart failure, or who are using oral anticoagulants. Furthermore, this remedy is contraindicated in cases of dengue fever.
Acetylsalicylic acid should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor. For children under 12 years of age, the use of children’s acetylsalicylic acid should also only be done with a pediatrician’s recommendation.
Children’s fever medicine
The most recommended medicines to reduce fever in children or babies are paracetamol (Tylenol baby or child), children’s dipyrone (Novalgina children) and ibuprofen (Alivium infantil), which must be administered through pharmaceutical forms adapted for each age:
- Babies over 3 kg: Tylenol baby oral suspension 100 mg/mL is recommended;
- Babies over 3 months old and weighing more than 5 kg: Novalgina children’s oral solution 50 mg/mL is recommended;
- Babies over 6 months: Alivium Infantil 100 mg/mL is recommended;
- Children over 2 years old or weighing over 11 kg: Tylenol children oral suspension 32 mg/mL is indicated;
- Children over 4 years old: Novalgina suppository 300 mg is recommended.
These medications should only be taken under the advice of a pediatrician, who should calculate the dose according to the child’s age and body weight. In some cases, the doctor may recommend interspersing two medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, for example, to reduce fever symptoms.
To help lower your baby’s fever and reduce the need for medication, you can also use natural strategies such as removing excess clothing, offering cool drinks or wetting the baby’s face and neck with damp towels. See more tips on what to do to lower your baby’s fever.
It is important to take the child or baby to the pediatrician whenever they have a fever, as the immune system is not yet fully mature, and a detailed medical evaluation is always recommended, especially to understand whether more appropriate treatment is necessary.
Medicine to reduce fever during pregnancy
The most recommended medicine to reduce fever during pregnancy and which is considered the medicine with the least risk for the baby, is paracetamol. However, it should be taken in the lowest possible dose and for the shortest period of time. Find out how to use paracetamol during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, you must be very careful with the use of medicines, as not all of them are recommended because they can reach the baby through the placenta or umbilical cord, harming its development or causing damage to the developing baby.
Therefore, although paracetamol (Tylenol) is considered safe for use by pregnant women, it should only be taken under the guidance of an obstetrician.
How to prepare a home remedy for fever
A great home remedy for fever is to drink macela tea or eucalyptus tea, as they increase sweating or have anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce fever. See how to prepare these home remedies for fever.
Another natural measure that can help reduce a fever is to place a towel or sponge soaked in cold water on your face, chest or wrists, replacing them whenever they are no longer cold. See other tips on how to lower your fever naturally.
