Tablets for Fever

A fever is one of the most common health complaints, and refers to a rise in body temperature beyond normal levels. However, fevers are good, because they are your body's reaction to an invasion to your immune system. Viruses and bacteria cannot survive at higher temperatures, and a fever is a simple and quick method to eliminate them when they attack your body.

A fever is not considered significant enough to require medical care until measured body temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C) in adults, 98 -100 (37.8 C) in infants and small children, and 99.3 F (37.4 C) or higher in older children. Fever is so common, that if it affects an adult, it rarely warrants a visit to the doctor. Also, especially in adults, unless the fever causes discomfort, it is best to leave the fever go untreated. Tablets for fever are widely available, and most of them work at bringing down the body temperature.

Antipyretics (drugs used to lower the body temperature) and analgesics (pain relievers are commonly used tablets for fever. The generic names of some of these tablets are Paracetamol or Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Let's learn more about each of these.

Acetaminophen or paracetamol is the generic name of popular tablets for fever such as Tylenol, Calpol, Crocin, Liquiprin, Panadol etc. They are usually non-prescription pills, and work by elevating the pain thresholds in the body. They are best used when the body experiences aches and pains, inflammations and headaches. Tablets are available in variants such as chewable, coated caplets, geltabs and gelcaps in dosage strengths of 325, 500 and 650 mg. For children, the dosage will depend on the child's age, and will vary between 40 to 500 mg every 4 to 6 hours. Recommended oral dosage for adults is 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours, subject to a maximum dose of 4 grams a day. Higher doses, or taking acetaminophen in combination with alcohol and drugs, can prove toxic to the liver. Acetaminophen should not be used for more than 10 days each time, unless under a physician's direction.

Ibuprofen is a generic drug, and is commonly sold under the brand names of Advil, Motrin, Genpril and Nuprin. Ibuprofen also works to relieve pain and reduce body temperature, by fighting to decrease the prostaglandins causing enzyme in the body. Tablets are available in variants such as chewable, coated caplets, geltabs and gelcaps in varying dosage strengths. The recommended adult dosage is 400mg every 4-6 hours, no more than 1200mg/day. For children, the dosage will vary according the weight, as per a pediatrician's prescription. An overdose will increase the chance of stomach bleeding.

Finally, Aspirin also known as Ecotrin, Bayer Aspirin, etc. is a popular tablet for fever. The dosage strengths are as low as 81 mg for minor aches, and 325 to 500 mg for fevers and pains. This tablet is recommended only for adults. In children and adolescents, Aspirin can cause serious side effects, when used to treat a viral illness.

Remember, fever tablets are easily available over the counter, and usually do not require a prescription. Follow the dosage instructions carefully, especially when administering these tablets to infants and children. Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Throw away fever tablets that have passed their expiry dates.