Afever reduceris something used to help bring down afever.
Fever reducers may differ for children vs. adults.
This article discusses fever-reducing medications and other ways to help bring down a fever.
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An oral temperature of 99.5 degrees or higher is considered a fever in children.
Common OTC Fever Reducers
The various names for medicines toreduce a fevercan get confusing.
Here are common brand names.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsinclude ibuprofen,naproxen, andaspirin.
They lower inflammation and fever in the body.
Are Fever Reducers Always Needed?
Fever reducers aren’t always needed if you or someone else you care for has a fever.
A fever is the body’s way of fighting off illness.
A fever can help kill bacteria and viruses.
It also can help the body produce white blood cells, which can fight off infection.
Fever Reducer Recap: Which Ones Are Kid-Safe?
Kid-safe medicines to reduce fever include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
These can help your child find relief if they have a fever, body aches, or a headache.
It’s important to avoid aspirin if your child or teen has a fever.
Acetaminophen comes in liquid, pill, and suppository (placed in the rectum) forms.
The latter may be useful if your child is throwing up and can’t keep down medications taken orally.
Ibuprofen is available as a liquid and as chewable tablets.
The liquid form has a version for infants and another for toddlers and children through age 11.
The infant form is more concentrated.Do not use ibuprofen in babies who are under 6 months old.
Always follow any instructions on labels for dosing.
Often, dosing is based on your child’s weight.
For example, many such medications are labeled as cold or flu products.
It can take 30 to 60 minutes for a fever-reducing medicine to begin to work.
These products come in many formulations, including extended release.
Check the label for dosage and frequency.
Be sure not to exceed the maximum dosage per day, which may vary by age group.
You should avoid ibuprofenand naproxenwhen pregnant unless directed by a healthcare provider.
However, it’s OK to use ibuprofen or naproxen if you are breastfeeding.
You may want to consider the side effects of these medications when choosing which one to use.
Summary
Fevers are the body’s way of fighting infection.
Not all fevers need treatment.
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are two types of medicines to help treat fever.
Some medicines, such as aspirin, should not be used to treat fever in children and teens.
Always read and follow instructions on how to give medications for fever and at what dosage.
There also are natural ways to reduce fever, such as wearing light clothing and taking a lukewarm bath.
In some instances, you should see a healthcare provider for a fever.
When in doubt, check in with a healthcare provider for more guidance.
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.Not all fevers need treatment.
Penn Medicine.Fever,
Nationwide Children’s.Acetaminophen vs ibuprofen: What’s the difference?
HealthyChildren.org.Treating your child’s fever.
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American Academy of Pediatrics.Acetaminophen dosing tables for fever and pain in children.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Ibuprofen dosing table for fever and pain.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Treating your child’s fever.
University Hospitals.The do’s and don’ts of treating your child’s fever.
Mercy Care.Tylenol & Advil: When to use which.
DailyMed.Label: Advanced aspirinaspirin tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Aramark ibuprofenibuprofen tablet.
DailyMed.Label: naproxen sodium (NSAID) fever reducer/pain relievernaproxen sodium tablet.
Harvard Health.Fever in adults.
