What type of medication reduces fever? A guide to common antipyretics

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Over-the-counter medications are a common and effective way to lower a fever and manage discomfort associated with illnesses. These medicines, known as antipyretics, work by targeting the body's temperature-regulating center or by blocking inflammatory chemicals. This guide will help you understand what type of medication reduces fever and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Quick Summary

Fever-reducing medications fall into two main categories: antipyretics like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs work differently to lower body temperature and relieve pain. The choice depends on age, health status, and other symptoms.

Key Points

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): A common fever reducer and pain reliever that is not an NSAID and is generally easier on the stomach, but can cause liver damage if overdosed.
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): These drugs reduce fever, pain, and inflammation by blocking prostaglandins, but can cause stomach irritation and are not for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions.
Aspirin (Bayer): An effective NSAID for adults but is contraindicated for children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Age and Health Considerations: The choice of medication depends heavily on age, pre-existing health conditions (like liver or kidney problems), and other medications being taken.
Safe Dosing: It is critical to read and follow dosing instructions carefully, and to be aware of acetaminophen or NSAIDs hidden in combination cold and flu products to avoid overdose.
Complementary Care: Supportive care like rest, hydration, light clothing, and lukewarm baths can assist in managing a fever, and are often enough for low-grade fevers.
Know When to See a Doctor: High-risk individuals and those with persistent or severe symptoms accompanying a fever should seek medical attention.

Understanding the pharmacology of fever

Fever is a natural and beneficial immune response, signaling that your body is fighting an infection or illness. The temperature-regulating center, located in the hypothalamus in your brain, raises your body's temperature in response to inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. Medications that reduce fever, known as antipyretics, work by interfering with these processes to bring the body's temperature back down.

The main types of fever-reducing medication

Fever-reducing medications are typically available over-the-counter and include a few key active ingredients. The right choice depends on your specific needs, age, and health conditions.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is a very common fever reducer and pain reliever. Unlike NSAIDs, it is not an anti-inflammatory drug. It is believed to work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the central nervous system, which helps to lower the body's temperature set point.

Benefits: Generally considered easier on the stomach than NSAIDs and safe for a wide range of people, including infants (with pediatrician consultation) and pregnant women.
Risks: Overdosing can cause severe liver damage. It is crucial to read labels carefully, especially for combination cold and flu products, to avoid taking too much.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs not only reduce fever but also decrease inflammation and swelling throughout the body by blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins. The most common OTC NSAIDs are:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Effective for reducing fever, pain, and inflammation. It is a preferred option for some symptoms like muscle aches. It should not be used in infants under 6 months of age.
Naproxen (Aleve): Offers longer-lasting relief than ibuprofen, with effects that can last up to 12 hours. It is intended for adults and children aged 12 and older.
Aspirin (Bayer): An effective NSAID for adults. However, it is strongly cautioned against for children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition. It is often used for its blood-thinning properties but should not be taken without a doctor's guidance.

How to choose the right fever reducer

Selecting the right medication involves considering a few factors:

For children and infants: Acetaminophen is generally the safest option, and ibuprofen is safe for infants over 6 months. Aspirin must be avoided. Always consult a pediatrician for proper dosing based on the child's weight.
For adults: The choice between acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen often depends on personal preference and any accompanying symptoms. If inflammation is present (e.g., from arthritis), an NSAID might be more beneficial.
Pre-existing conditions: Individuals with liver problems should be cautious with acetaminophen, while those with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, or heart and kidney issues may need to avoid NSAIDs.

A comparison of common fever reducers


Feature	Acetaminophen (Tylenol)	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)	Naproxen (Aleve)	Aspirin (Bayer)
Medication Class	Antipyretic, Analgesic	Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)	Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)	Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Mechanism of Action	Inhibits prostaglandins in the central nervous system	Blocks prostaglandins peripherally, reducing inflammation	Blocks prostaglandins peripherally, reducing inflammation	Blocks prostaglandins peripherally, reducing inflammation and platelet aggregation
Primary Uses	Fever, pain relief	Fever, pain, inflammation	Fever, pain, inflammation	Fever, pain, inflammation, heart attack prevention
Duration	4-6 hours	4-6 hours	Up to 12 hours	4-6 hours
Key Risks	Liver damage with overdose, especially with alcohol use	Stomach irritation, bleeding, kidney issues	Higher risk of stomach and kidney issues with long-term use	Reye's syndrome in children/teens, stomach bleeding
Age Considerations	Generally safe for all ages, with doctor's guidance for infants	Safe for children over 6 months, adults	For adults and children 12+	Adults only, avoid in children and teens

When to consult a healthcare professional

While OTC medications can manage most fevers, you should consult a doctor in certain situations:

For infants under 3 months with any fever.
If a fever is persistently high (103°F or higher) or lasts for more than a few days, even with medication.
If other severe symptoms are present, such as a stiff neck, confusion, severe headache, or difficulty breathing.
If your fever disappears and then returns.
For individuals with underlying chronic conditions, such as heart disease or weakened immune systems.

Complementary and non-pharmacological methods

In addition to medication, several supportive measures can help manage a fever and make you more comfortable:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, diluted juice, or oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
Rest: Give your body the energy it needs to fight the infection by getting plenty of rest.
Wear light clothing: Dressing in lightweight, comfortable clothing and using lighter blankets can help the body cool down naturally.
Take a lukewarm bath: A lukewarm—not cold—bath can help lower body temperature without causing shivering.

For more detailed information on fever management, especially for children, consider reviewing resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Conclusion

Understanding what type of medication reduces fever is key to managing symptoms safely and effectively. The main choices include acetaminophen and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, each with different considerations regarding efficacy, duration, side effects, and age appropriateness. By following recommended dosages, considering your health history, and using complementary care, you can safely manage a fever. Always seek professional medical advice if your fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by severe symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some healthcare providers suggest alternating these medications to help manage fever, while others advise against it due to the potential for dosing errors. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

Acetaminophen is generally considered safe for infants, though a pediatrician should be consulted for proper dosing. Ibuprofen can be used for children over 6 months old. Aspirin must be avoided in children and teenagers.

Reye's syndrome is a rare but very serious condition that causes swelling in the brain and liver. It is associated with giving aspirin to children and teenagers, especially during viral illnesses like the flu or chickenpox.

NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory chemicals released by the body that signal the brain's hypothalamus to raise the body's temperature.

You should see a doctor if an infant under 3 months has any fever, if your fever reaches 103°F or higher, if it lasts for more than a few days, or if it is accompanied by severe symptoms like confusion, a stiff neck, or difficulty breathing.

Individuals with liver problems should use extreme caution with acetaminophen, as an overdose can cause severe liver damage. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for safe dosing.

Non-medication strategies include staying well-hydrated, getting plenty of rest, wearing light clothing, and taking a lukewarm bath to help lower body temperature and ease discomfort.