Guide To Fever-Reducing Medications

Most fever-reducing medications are classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Currently, doctors advise that adults consider taking fever-reducing medicine if they have an oral temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Individuals with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above may want to take fever-reducing medicine if they feel uncomfortable and cannot manage their symptoms with other measures. Patients may want to speak with a pharmacist or doctor about the most appropriate fever-reducing medicine for their needs. This is especially important for individuals who have underlying health conditions. The reason is that some fever medicines may increase blood pressure. This may not be safe for certain individuals.

Patients want to achieve fever relief. This is why they often try natural remedies for fevers. However, natural fever reducers may not always work. Thus, patients often seek the best medication for a fever. This may be a prescription or over-the-counter fever reducer. Patients must understand their options and then discuss them with a doctor to make the best choice.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is available in many formulations. Examples include suspensions, extended-release tablets, and dissolving tablets. Of course, this medication causes some side effects. Individuals may notice dark urine, clay-colored stools, nausea, and headaches. Itching and loss of appetite may occur as well. This medication can cause liver damage, especially if it is taken for a long period or in large doses. Patients with liver issues should speak with a doctor about if this medication is appropriate for their health needs. All patients should be aware of potential signs of liver damage, including severe itching and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Patients should contact their doctor if these signs develop.

Acetaminophen may interact with sulfa drugs and with medicines used to treat cancer, gout, and other forms of arthritis. Patients should ask their physician and pharmacist about potential medication interactions before taking this medication.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen helps relieve fever and reduce inflammation. Typically, adults with a fever are advised to take an initial dose of two hundred milligrams every four to six hours. If necessary, they can increase their dose to four hundred milligrams. Patients should take no more than 1,200 milligrams per day. Ibuprofen can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This risk is higher for individuals with heart disease. It is also higher for those who take this medication in large doses or for extended periods.

Ibuprofen increases the risk of stomach bleeding in seniors. Patients with high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease should ask a doctor before taking this medication. Generally, this medicine should not be used with acetylsalicylic acid. Individuals may notice headaches, dizziness, heartburn, or nervousness while using ibuprofen. Some patients could develop ringing in their ears. It may help to take ibuprofen with food or milk to reduce the risk of an upset stomach.

Acetylsalicylic Acid

Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that helps reduce fever and relieve mild pain. When it is used to reduce fever in adults, the recommended dose is 325 to 650 milligrams every four to six hours. Ringing in the ears, sometimes called tinnitus, is one of the most commonly reported side effects. Patients may also notice nausea and abdominal cramps. Some individuals have dizziness during treatment, and stomach ulcers and bleeding may develop as well. Stomach bleeding could occur without any abdominal pain. However, the patient may feel dizzy when standing up, and weakness could be present. The patient's stools may be black or tarry. All of these are potential indicators of internal bleeding. Patients should seek urgent medical attention if they notice any of these.

This medication may increase the risk of low blood sugar in patients who take diabetes medication. These patients may need to monitor their blood sugar more frequently. Since this medication increases uric acid, it should not be used by gout patients. Patients should ask their doctor if this medication is safe for their health needs. They should also ask about the most appropriate dose for their condition.

Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. In addition to treating fever, it is routinely used to treat arthritis and migraines. This medication is available by prescription. Patients can take it as a capsule, extended-release tablet, or delayed-release tablet. Potential side effects of this medication include heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, headaches, and drowsiness. Constipation and diarrhea may occur as well. Some individuals experience dizziness. Rarely, patients could develop fatigue, swelling in the feet, and rapid weight gain. These may be signs of heart failure, and it is essential to seek urgent medical help if these develop. Patients should let their doctor know immediately if they notice a ringing in their ears.

Since this medicine can increase blood pressure, patients may want to monitor their blood pressure regularly during treatment. Any elevated blood pressure measurements should be reported to their doctor. Pregnant women should not take diclofenac. The medication may not be safe for use by individuals with asthma, stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, or heart disease either. Before prescribing this medication, doctors need to know if the patient has a history of these conditions. Patients should also inform their doctor about tobacco use and any history of liver or kidney disease.

Naproxen

Naproxen is available over-the-counter and by prescription. Most patients will need to take two to three doses per day. Each dose should be taken with eight ounces of water. After taking a dose, patients should wait at least ten minutes before lying down. Patients need to take this medication with milk or food to reduce the risk of an upset stomach. Some individuals may prefer to take this medication with an antacid. Side effects of this medication may include dizziness, heartburn, drowsiness, and headaches. Patients should inform their doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.

Less common side effects include easy bruising, painful swallowing, vision changes, and mood changes. There may be changes in the patient's urine output, and the patient could have a stiff neck without an obvious cause. Patients should let their doctor know right away if they have any of these uncommon side effects. Naproxen interacts with many medications. Examples include lithium, ACE inhibitors, corticosteroids, and diuretics. Patients need to tell their doctor about all of the medicines they use. It may be necessary to adjust doses of certain medicines during treatment with naproxen.