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Fever
A fever is your body's way of telling you that something is not quite right as it begins to fight off whatever virus or infection is causing it.
You can effectively reduce your fever by using various over-the-counter medicines. We are here to help by breaking down treatment options with simple, easy-to-understand resources that will allow you to make a decision that is best (and safest) for you or a loved one.
A normal body temperature is typically at or around 98.6°F, and a temperature above your normal temperature range is considered a fever. Fever symptoms – or symptoms that are commonly experienced with a fever – may include sweating, chills and shivering, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and dehydration.
Fevers can be uncomfortable, but they are not usually dangerous. A low-grade fever means your body temperature is a little higher than normal. There isn't an exact temperature that defines a low-grade fever, but it generally means your temperature is above the usual healthy range, though not high enough to be considered a full fever. There are also a number of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available to help lower a fever that you can add to your treatment toolkit. If your fever is at or above 104°F, immediately seek medical attention.
Fever Reducer
Fever Reducer
Over-the-counter fever reducers are medicines that can lower fever and also treat mild to moderate pain. These medicines can be taken by mouth in the form of pills or liquids or inserted into the rectum in suppository form. Fever reducers come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid solutions, and syrups.
There are two basic types of OTC medicines that work as fever reducers:
- Acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include the following active ingredients:
Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Magnesium Salicylate, and Naproxen Sodium
Other examples of OTC fever reducers:
- Feverall® Acetaminophen Suppositories
Contains the active ingredient Acetaminophen
- Bufferin® Buffered Aspirin
Contains the active ingredient Aspirin
- Doan’s® Extra Strength
Contains the active ingredient Magnesium Salicylate
- Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips for
Fever Reducer
Safety Tips for
Fever
Always read and follow the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should take, and when you should not take the product.
- Talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional before using more than one pain reliever or fever reducer at the same time.
- Stop use and contact a healthcare professional if your fever lasts more than 3 days.
- If a severe allergic reaction occurs and you experience symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, or blisters, immediately seek medical attention.
- If you take low-dose aspirin for protection against heart attack and stroke, be aware that some NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, may interfere.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional before use.
- Talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns before taking an OTC fever reducer.
If you think you have taken or given too much of a medicine, immediately contact a healthcare professional or Poison Control at 888-222-1222.
Homeopathic Products
Homeopathic fever reducing products are derived from plants, minerals, and animal substances that are known for their pharmacological or biological actions. For safety, read all instructions and warnings on the product label before taking any homeopathic product and follow all dosing instructions. Please be aware that products labeled as homeopathic and currently marketed in the U.S. have not been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or mitigate any diseases or conditions.
OTC homeopathic fever reducer medicines include:
- Aconitum napellus
- Anas barbariae
- Ferrum phosphoricum
- Gelsemium sempervirens
- Rhus tox
When giving medicine to children, it is important to only use a product that treats your child’s specific symptoms. Do not give a medicine only intended for adults to a child. When possible, dose by your child’s weight following the instructions on the label. Always give the recommended dose and use the correct measuring device. And remember; keep all medicines and vitamins out of your child’s reach and sight. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
Naproxen sodium is an internal analgesic available in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that temporarily relieves minor aches and pains and reduces fever. It is part of a group of pain relievers and fever reducers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen sodium can be the only ingredient in oral pain relievers and fever reducers.
