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What medications can a person take to treat a fever at home Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP — By Jenna Fletcher on July 28, 2022Fever is a symptom of many underlying conditions. It is the body’s response to infection but can also cause discomfort. Two common over-the-counter (OTC) options — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen — can help reduce a person’s fever.
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Share on Pinterestsmartstock/Getty ImagesThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a fever as any temperature at 100.4ºF (38ºC) or above. A fever is the immune system’s response to illness.
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It is an attempt to kill viruses and bacteria by raising the body’s temperature a few degrees. While it is a natural process, it can be uncomfortable and become dangerous if a person’s temperature becomes too high.
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Medications for fever do not treat the underlying condition causing the fever, but they can help reduce it and other symptoms of the illness. People who are pregnant should consult a doctor before taking OTC medication for a fever. Parents and caregivers should also consult a doctor before administering any medications to a child.
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This article outlines the medications available to treat a fever at home. It also discusses when to seek medical attention. Overview table
The following table provides a general overview of the medications a person can take to treat a fever.
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People should always check the medication label.Generic nameBrand namesAdult doseSide effectsibuprofenMotrin or Advil1–2 200 mg tablets every 4–6 hours, with a maximum of 1,200 mg per day• constipation• gas• bloating• diarrhea• dizziness• nervousness • ringing in the ears• nausea• vomitingnaproxenAleve1–2 220 mg tablets every 8–12 hours, with a maximum of 660 mg per day• gas• constipation• dizziness• headaches• excessive thirst• drowsiness• dizziness• lightheadedness• symptoms of a cold• ringing in the ears• difficulty with sleeping• hearing problems• a burning or tingling sensation in the legs and armsaspirin (regular strength)Bayer1–2 325 mg tablets every 4 hours, or 3 tablets every 6 hours, with a maximum of 4,000 mg per day• nausea• heartburn• vomiting• stomach painacetaminophen Tylenol500 mg or 1,000 mg every 4–6 hours, with a maximum of 4,000 mg per dayside effects are rare, but some people may experience an allergic reaction
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a type of NSAID sold under several brand names, including Advil and Motrin. It is a form of propionic acid and can help reduce fever as well as other symptoms, such as pain.
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Depending on the dose, a person can get ibuprofen OTC at stores and pharmacies or via prescription. It comes in various forms, including tablets or capsules. A 2022 article notes that people in their third trimester of pregnancy should not take ibuprofen.
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Children can take ibuprofen, but parents and caregivers should speak with a pediatrician before giving them the medication. Side effects
Side effects can include:constipationgasbloatingdiarrheadizzinessfeeling nervousringing in the ears
It can also cause nausea and vomiting.
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Learn more about ibuprofen. Naproxen
Naproxen is another type of NSAID, commonly sold under the brand name Aleve.
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Similar to ibuprofen, it is a form of propionic acid and can treat additional symptoms other than a fever. A person can take naproxen sodium as a tablet or capsule.
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Liquid forms are available for younger children, although a parent or caregiver should talk with the child’s doctor first. People who are in their third trimester of pregnancy should not take naproxen. Side effects
Side effects can include:gasconstipationdizzinessheadacheexcessive thirstdrowsinessdizzinesslightheadednesssymptoms of a coldringing in the earssleeping difficultieshearing problemsa burning or tingling sensation in the legs and arms
Learn more about naproxen.
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Aspirin
Aspirin is another common form of NSAID that consists of acetylated salicylates. A common brand name is Bayer. This medication comes in several different formulas, including regular strength, and different forms such as tablets.
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Caregivers should not give aspirin to children or teens without first consulting a doctor. A 2022 article notes an association between taking aspirin and the development of Reye’s syndrome, which can be fatal. People who are pregnant should speak with a doctor before taking aspirin.
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Side effects
Side effects include:nauseaheartburnvomitingstomach pain
Learn more about aspirin. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol, is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic agent to treat pain and fever.
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Companies often add acetaminophen to other medications that treat allergies, colds, flu, and other medical conditions. Acetaminophen is available OTC or as a prescription.
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For teenagers and adults, it commonly comes in the form of tablets and capsules. Younger children may be able to take it in a liquid form, but caregivers should speak with a paediatrician first. Side effects
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that side effects are rare in adults and children if a person takes the correct dose.
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However, in rare cases, a person can experience an allergic reaction. Precautions
In some cases, NSAIDs can lead to serious adverse effects, including problems affecting the liver, heart, and blood circulation. Compared to prescription-strength medications, OTC NSAIDs typically cause fewer side effects.
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Acetaminophen can lead to liver failure or other issues with the liver. People can also experience an allergic reaction to fever-reducing medications. People should seek medical help if they experience:rashinflamed, peeling, or blistering skinitchinghiveshoarse voicedifficulty swallowingdifficulty breathingswelling of the face, tongue, throat, lips, hands, feet, eyes, lower legs, or ankles
A person should take fever-reducing medications only as a medical professional advises.
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How to take the medication
There are several formulas of NSAIDs and acetaminophen with differing doses. A person should follow the instructions on the packaging and pay attention to the maximum number of doses allowed in 24 hours.
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When treating an underlying condition, a person should follow the doctor’s recommendations regarding how much to take and when to take it. A person should also be mindful of other medications that may contain acetaminophen. Companies often mix it with other ingredients to create OTC medications for colds, flu, and other issues.
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Can a person take acetaminophen and NSAIDs at the same time
A person can take acetaminophen and ibuprofen at the same time. Learn more about acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Other options to treat fever
A person may find that certain home remedies may help reduce their fever.
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Other options include:restingtaking lukewarm bathsdrinking plenty of fluidswearing loose clothing
A fever breaks when a person’s temperature drops below 100.4ºF (38°C), but they may still feel ill due to the underlying condition. Dropping the fever can help alleviate some symptoms and help people feel better overall.Learn more
Find out more about treating a fever:How to reduce a feverTreatment tips for breaking a feverWhat are the best home remedies for fever?How to bring down a fever in babies
When to contact a doctor for a fever
A person should seek medical help if they are unable to lower the fever on their own or if they suspect a more serious underlying condition.
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They should also contact a doctor if:a person experiences worsening symptomsthey have a weakened immune systemthey reach a fever of 104°F (40ºC) or higherthey are concerned about a fever in a child or older adult
Summary
A person can take NSAIDs and acetaminophen to help treat a fever at home. These medications can also help to treat additional symptoms, such as pain. A person should consult a doctor if their fever lasts longer than a few days, causes additional symptoms, or does not go down with medication.
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Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2022Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / VirusesPharmacy / Pharmacist 12 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.
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You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Acetaminophen. (2022).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.htmlAcetaminophen. (2022).https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/acetaminophenAspirin.
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(2021).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682878.htmlChapman, J., et al. (2022).
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Reye syndrome.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526101Definitions of symptoms for reportable illnesses. (2017).https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/air/reporting-deaths-illness/definitions-symptoms-reportable-illnesses.htmlFever. (2022).https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/feverGerriets, V., et al.
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(2022). Acetaminophen.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369Ghlichloo, I., et al. (2022).
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742Ibuprofen. (2022).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159.htmlNaproxen. (2022).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681029.htmlParacetamol for adults.
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(2019).https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-adultsSide effects of paracetamol for children. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/side-effects-of-paracetamol-for-childrenFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP — By Jenna Fletcher on July 28, 2022
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