What to Take for a Fever?

A mild or moderate fever is one that does not go above 38 °C. However, if it does exceed this, it is necessary to address it to avoid certain symptoms that may accompany it, especially in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children or patients with lung, brain or heart conditions. In this Farmaciasdirect article, we are going to explain what to take for a fever so that you know the best treatment for this condition.

Symptoms of fever

The hypothalamus contains a thermoregulatory function that is responsible for keeping our body temperature constant. However, when the temperature rises for different reasons, a fever appears. In general, this is a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness.

Certainly, symptoms can vary from one person to another and may depend on the type of illness causing the fever. As a general rule, people tend to experience widespread muscle pain or lower back pain, joint pain, difficulty sleeping or headache.

When the thermoregulatory centre we mentioned causes body temperature to rise, muscle activity increases and shivering appears. In addition, older people often suffer episodes of delirium or irritability, while children under 5 may experience seizures. 

What medicines should you take for a fever?

When it comes to treating a fever, there is a wide variety of medicines on the market. To combat it effectively, as well as the symptoms that accompany it, the first thing to do is see a doctor to identify the illness that is causing it.

Here are the best medicines to take for a fever.

Paracetamol

Among the most common medicines for fever are antipyretics. These are the medicines most commonly used to get rid of a fever. Their purpose is to reduce body temperature.

In daily life, we usually use medicines such as paracetamol, as well as ibuprofen and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Corticosteroids are also used to treat fever, although they have too many side effects, so they are only used in cases of urgent need. 

Paracetamol has antipyretic properties and, in addition to reducing body temperature, relieves pain. It is a generic medicine, although it is part of some brands we are all familiar with, such as Gelocatil or Dolocatil.

Paracetamol is one of the most recommended medicines because it is very gentle on the stomach due to its limited anti-inflammatory activity. In fact, pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding can also use it, within the specifications authorised by their doctor.

Aspirin for fever

Aspirin also relieves pain and can be used during feverish illnesses. It falls within the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and is indicated for those over 16 years old. Salicylic acid is not advisable for young children because it may cause serious side effects, such as intestinal bleeding.

Ibuprofen

As for ibuprofen, it is mainly used when paracetamol does not do the job effectively. This medicine works as an anti-inflammatory, but at the same time it is an analgesic to reduce pain and an antipyretic to control body temperature.

Some medicines containing ibuprofen as the active ingredient are especially indicated for children from 3 months old with a fever, as is the case with Ibudol Pediátrico.

Apiretal

Apiretal is another medicine that treats mild or moderate pain and feverish states in children and adolescents. It belongs to the group of analgesics and antipyretics, and the dosage will depend on the child’s weight.

Advantages of taking medicines for fever

It is not always advisable to take medicines when you have a fever, only when the patient needs to feel better, thus relieving joint or muscle pain and high body temperature.

In this way, medicines for fever should be used when the temperature reaches 38º in children or 38.5 °C in adults, not only to relieve certain discomforts, but also to prevent others from appearing. 

Causes of fever

When the body’s immune system is attacked by the organisms responsible for illness, it reacts to fight them and fever appears in response to this stimulation.

Among the most common causes behind the onset of fever are the following:

• Some medicines such as anticonvulsants, antihistamines and antibiotics.
• Bacterial or viral infections.
• Certain cancers can cause fever.
• Sunstroke caused by the sun or by heat emitted from a machine or similar.
• Excessive use of amphetamines or psychotropic substances.
• Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders.
• Thrombophlebitis or an inflammatory process that forms blood clots.

Bibliography:

• Herskovic, L. (1999). Symptomatic treatment of fever. Revista chilena de pediatría, 70(5), 431-432.
• Baulies, G. (2010). Fever. Aula de infantil.