Top remédios to lower fever

Fever is a way for the body to defend itself from aggressive agents such as viruses or bacteria, being an important sign that something is wrong with the body. In cases of fever that is very high, above 39ºC, or does not go down, even taking the medication, it is important to consult a doctor to verify the cause and treat it properly. See the main causes of fever.

It is important that medicines to reduce fever are used with medical indication as they have contraindications and side effects. In addition, in the case of children or pregnant women, not all remedies are indicated, and therefore, they must be used under the guidance of a pediatrician or obstetrician, with doses adapted to age, weight and the intensity of symptoms.

The medicines that are most used by the doctor to reduce fever are:

1. Paracetamol

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is the antipyretic drug most indicated by doctors to reduce fever in adults or children, as it acts by reducing the production of specific substances in the body, responsible for causing fever, especially in cases of colds or flu. In addition, this remedy also has analgesic action that helps to reduce body pain or malaise, which are other common symptoms in cold and flu situations.

This remedy can be found in the form of tablets, syrup or drops, under the trade name Tylenol, or as generic paracetamol. Learn how to take paracetamol to lower your fever.

Paracetamol should not be used by people who have liver problems, such as liver failure, or who abuse or constantly use alcoholic beverages.

2. Dipyrone

Dipyrone, also known as dipyrone monohydrate or dipyrone sodium, is another remedy with antipyretic action that can be indicated to lower fever in adults, adolescents or children, in addition to relieving discomfort and body pain caused by colds and flu, for example.

This remedy can be found under the trade names Novalgina, Anador or Maxalgina, for example, in the form of drops, tablet, syrup or suppositories, and should only be used on medical advice. See how to take dipyrone.

Dipyrone should not be used by people who have impaired bone marrow function, disorders related to blood cell production, or who are allergic to dipyrone or other fever or pain medications such as acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin or naproxen, for example.

3. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic indicated in cases of fever caused by flu, common colds or inflammation in the throat, for example, as it reduces the formation of substances that cause an increase in body temperature.

This medicine can be found in the form of drops, tablets, gelatin capsules or oral suspension, as generic ibuprofen or with the trade names Alivium, Advil or Ibupril, for example, and must be used with medical indication. Learn how to take ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen should not be used in cases of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding or liver, kidney or heart failure, and should not be used by pregnant or nursing women and children under 6 months of age.. The use of ibuprofen in children under 2 years of age should only be done under medical supervision. In addition, ibuprofen should not be used in cases of dengue.

4. Acetylsalicylic acid

Acetylsalicylic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that serves to treat inflammation, lower fever and relieve pain in the body caused by colds or flu. It can be used by adults or children with pediatrician guidance.. Check other indications of acetylsalicylic acid.

This medicine is found in the form of tablets with the names Aspirin or AAS, for example, and should not be used by people who have a tendency to bleeding, stomach or intestinal ulcer, asthma, kidney, liver or severe heart disease, or who are using oral anticoagulants. In addition, this remedy is contraindicated in cases of dengue.

Acetylsalicylic acid should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by a doctor. For children under 12 years of age, the use of children's acetylsalicylic acid should also only be done with the pediatrician's indication.

Child fever medicine

The most suitable remedies to reduce fever in children or babies are paracetamol (Tylenol baby or child), infant dipyrone (Infant Novalgina) and ibuprofen (Infant Alivium), which must be administered through dosage forms adapted for each age:

Babies over 3 kg: Tylenol baby oral suspension 100 mg/mL is indicated;
Babies over 3 months old and weighing more than 5 kg: Novalgina infant oral solution 50 mg/mL is indicated;
Babies over 6 months: Infant Relief 100 mg/mL is indicated;
Children over 2 years of age or weighing more than 11 kg: Tylenol for children oral suspension 32 mg/mL is indicated;
Children over 4 years: Novalgina suppository 300 mg is indicated.

These remedies should only be taken with the pediatrician's recommendation, who should calculate the dose according to the child's age and body weight. In some cases, the doctor may recommend alternating two medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, for example, to reduce fever symptoms.

To help reduce the baby's fever, and reduce the need for medication, you can also use natural strategies such as removing excess clothing, offering cool drinks or wetting the baby's face and neck with damp towels. See more tips on what to do to lower your baby's fever.

It is important to take the child or baby to the pediatrician whenever they have a fever, as the immune system is not yet fully mature, and a detailed medical evaluation is always recommended, especially to understand if a more appropriate treatment is necessary.

Medicine to lower fever in pregnancy

The most suitable medicine to reduce fever in pregnancy and which is considered the medicine with the least risks for the baby, is paracetamol. However, it should be taken in the lowest possible dose and for the shortest period of time. Learn how to use paracetamol in pregnancy.

During pregnancy, you should be very careful with the use of medicines, as not all of them are indicated because they can reach the baby through the placenta or umbilical cord, harming its development or causing damage to the baby in formation.

Therefore, although paracetamol (Tylenol) is considered safe to be used by pregnant women, it should only be taken with the guidance of the obstetrician.

How to prepare a home remedy for fever

A great home remedy for fever is to drink macela tea or eucalyptus tea, as they increase sweating or have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce fever. See how to prepare these home remedies for fever.

Another natural measure that can help reduce fever is to place a towel or sponge soaked in cold water over your face, chest or wrists, replacing them whenever they are no longer cold. See other tips on how to lower your fever naturally.