• Knowledgebase: Fever Questions

    Answers to Questions about fevers.

    6. What is the best medicine for reducing a fever? - Top

    The choices are Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, Feverall) and Ibuprophen (Advil, Motrin).

    Acetaminophen is a safe medicine if used correctly. However, in large doses (overdoses) it can damage the liver. It works for about 4 hours.

    Ibuprophen has no toxicity really, except for stomach irritation even in large doses. It works for about 6 hours.

    For these reasons, I prefer Ibuprophen over Acetaminophen.

    However, acetaminophen comes in suppositiories (Feverall and others) which is an excellent way to bring down a fever in a child that is nauseated or vomiting, or who will not take an oral medicine.

    Sometimes, if a fever is stubborn, we will tell parents to go ahead and give the ibuprophen every 6 hours, and then 3 hours later slip in a dose of acetaminophen (each medicine being given every 6 hours, but staggered 3 hours apart).

    Remember, a nice lukewarm bath and pouring the water over your child's shoulders and head is a great way to bring down the fever also.

    NEVER give your child ASPIRIN for fever. Aspirin has been associated with Reye Syndrome- a condition producing coma. Even if it is the only thing you have- don't give it. The bath is better and safer. - Updated: March 5, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP