From the Guidelines
To bring down a high fever, start by taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) at a dose of 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours (not exceeding 3,000 mg daily) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours with food, as recommended by various studies 1. When managing high fever, it is essential to consider the patient's overall health and potential risks.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water, diluted juice, or clear broth.
- Apply a lukewarm compress to your forehead, neck, or armpits, but avoid cold baths which can cause shivering and actually raise your temperature.
- Dress in light, breathable clothing and keep room temperature comfortable, around 70°F (21°C).
- Rest is essential to help your body fight the underlying cause. For children, follow age-appropriate dosing on medication labels, and seek medical attention if your fever exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), lasts more than three days, or is accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, difficulty breathing, or rash, as suggested by studies 1. It is crucial to note that fever is your body's natural defense mechanism against infection, raising temperature to kill pathogens, but reducing it can provide comfort while your immune system works, as indicated by the studies 1. Key considerations for managing fever include:
- Monitoring temperature and adjusting treatment as needed
- Managing symptoms such as headache and body aches
- Preventing dehydration and ensuring adequate fluid intake
- Seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or if there are concerns about the underlying cause of the fever, as recommended by studies 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for High Fever
- The use of antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol and ibuprofen is a common approach to reduce fever 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in the European review for medical and pharmacological sciences found that paracetamol 1,000 mg and the combination of paracetamol 500 mg/ibuprofen 150 mg were effective in reducing fever in adult patients 2.
- Another study published in The Pediatric infectious disease journal found that acetaminophen was effective in reducing fever in children with both viral and bacterial infections, with no significant difference in fever response between the two groups 3.
- However, a literature review published in the British journal of nursing suggested that the use of antipyretic drugs to suppress fever during infection remains a controversial topic, and that the evidence does not currently support routine antipyretic administration 5.
Medication Options
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a commonly used medication to reduce fever, and can be administered in doses of 1,000 mg every 6 hours 2, 4.
- Ibuprofen can also be used to reduce fever, and can be administered in combination with paracetamol 2.
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can be used to treat pain and fever associated with upper respiratory infections 6.
Important Considerations
- The use of antibiotics will not help a viral upper respiratory tract infection, and should only be used to treat bacterial infections 6.
- The administration of antipyretic drugs should be based on the individual patient's needs and underlying condition, and should take into account potential risks and benefits 5, 4.