🩺 Medicine for Fever: What to Take and When
Fever is the body's natural defense against infection—but when it becomes uncomfortable or too high, medication can help ease symptoms and bring relief.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the **best medicines to take for a fever**, how they work, who should use them, and when it's best to consult a doctor.
### 🌡️ What Is a Fever?
A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, usually due to an infection. Normal body temperature is around **98.6°F (37°C)**. A fever is typically considered **100.4°F (38°C)** or higher.
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## 💊 Best Medicines for Fever
### 1. **Acetaminophen (Paracetamol, Tylenol)**
* **How it works**: Lowers the brain's temperature set point.
* **Who can use**: Safe for both adults and children (age-appropriate doses).
* **Dosage**:
* Adults: 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours (max 3000 mg/day)
* Children: Based on weight (usually 10–15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours)
### 2. **Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)**
* **How it works**: Reduces inflammation and fever.
* **Who can use**: Adults and children over 6 months.
* **Dosage**:
* Adults: 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours (max 1200–2400 mg/day)
* Children: 5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours
**✅ Tip**: Alternate **acetaminophen and ibuprofen** every few hours for persistent fever—but only under doctor supervision.
### 3. **Aspirin**
* **How it works**: Anti-inflammatory and fever reducer.
* **Who can use**: **Adults only**
* **WARNING**: Not safe for children or teens due to risk of **Reye's syndrome**.
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## ❗ Important Guidelines
* **Stay hydrated**: Fever can lead to dehydration—drink water, electrolyte drinks, or clear soups.
* **Avoid double-dosing**: Don’t combine products that contain the same active ingredients.
* **Read labels carefully**: Some cold/flu meds already contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
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## 🚸 Special Considerations
| Age Group | Recommended Medicine | Notes |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Infants (<3 mo) | **See doctor immediately** | Any fever in this age group is serious |
| 3 mo – 2 yrs | Acetaminophen or ibuprofen | Use infant-specific versions |
| Children & Teens | Acetaminophen or ibuprofen | Never give aspirin |
| Adults | Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin | Follow max daily dose |
| Seniors | Acetaminophen preferred | Fewer side effects on kidneys/stomach |
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## 🛑 When to Call a Doctor
Call your doctor if:
* Fever is **above 103°F (39.4°C)** in adults
* Fever lasts **more than 3 days**
* You have trouble breathing, chest pain, rash, or confusion
* **Children under 3 months** have any fever
* Seizures or persistent vomiting occur
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## 📌 Conclusion
Over-the-counter medicines like **acetaminophen** and **ibuprofen** are effective for managing fever safely at home. However, always monitor symptoms and seek medical advice when necessary—especially for young children or high fevers that don’t respond to treatment.
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### 📸 Suggested Photos for the Post:
* A person taking medicine with a glass of water
* Acetaminophen and ibuprofen bottles on a counter
* Thermometer showing elevated temperature
* Parents giving child fever medicine with dropper
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