The best fever reducers, according to doctors

In otherwise healthy individuals, a fever is typically a sign of an infection the body is fighting off.
Fever reducers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen bring the temperature down, helping you feel more comfortable.
Our pick for the top fever reducer is acetaminophen because it effectively reduces fever and has a lower risk of causing stomach upset.
This article was reviewed by Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, FAAP, who is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and president of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Due to fears of the new coronavirus, many of these products are quickly selling out or appearing at prices well above market retail. We're doing our best to keep this guide updated with in-stock purchase links.
Products from Rite Aid, included within this guide, are now seeing shipping delays of three to four weeks.

Fevers can be scary, and as a mom, I've certainly lost sleep worrying about my daughter's temperature. But as miserable as a fever may feel, it's comforting to know that it's a sign the body is working properly by raising its own temperature to fight something off, typically a virus or bacterial infection. Some doctors and medical guides even recommend letting a fever run its course.

In certain populations, fever can be a sign of a more serious infection. It's important to contact a doctor when fever develops in an infant under 3 months old, or in a person who is immunocompromised, undergoing chemotherapy, recovering from surgery, or who has had a splenectomy. Additionally, a fever that persists longer than three days could be a sign of something more serious.

To learn more about fevers and how to effectively reduce them, we spoke to Jason R. McKnight, MD, MS, a family medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine. We also consulted current research and recommendations from the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

When to use a fever reducer

The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees, and in both adults and children, a fever is considered to be 100.4 degrees and higher. You may be familiar with the term "low-grade fever," but this is a misconception. A temperature of 99 degrees is, in fact, a normal temperature variation.

When to start using a fever reducer depends on someone's comfort level as well as the presence of any underlying conditions, but these are the general guidelines set forth by the Mayo Clinic:

Infants, 0 to 3 months: Call a pediatrician for any fever 100.4 degrees and higher.
Infants, 3 to 6 months: Call a pediatrician for any fever 102 degrees and higher, and consider using a fever reducer.
Infants and toddlers, 6 to 24 months: Consider using a fever reducer at 102 degrees and higher. Call a pediatrician if fever doesn't respond to medication or persists longer than one day.
Kids, 2 to 17 years: Consider using a fever reducer above 102 degrees. Call a pediatrician if fever doesn't respond to medication or persists longer than three days.
Adults, 17 years and older: Consider using a fever reducer above 102 degrees. Call a doctor if fever doesn't respond to medication or persists longer than three days.
Anyone who is immunocompromised or has an underlying medical condition: Call a doctor for any fever.

Generic medications are generally as safe and effective as brand-name drugs. Occasionally, generic drugs made in other countries are found to have contaminants. In these cases, the FDA responds swiftly to remove them from the market.

In addition to treating a fever with medication, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. "Fluid intake is always an important part of the treatment of fevers," said McKnight.

How to accurately detect a fever

Try to take readings at the same time each day, as body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day. Different techniques can also yield different results, so use the same method each time you record temperature. To get a correct reading, use a trusted thermometer and take three readings to ensure accuracy.

Rectal (bottom) temperatures are most accurate for babies and toddlers up to age 3.
Temporal artery (forehead) temperatures are accurate for those ages 3 months and older.
Oral (mouth) temperatures are accurate for older children and adults.
Tympanic (ear) temperatures are usually accurate for older children and adults.
Axillary (armpit) temperatures are typically least accurate. Never add or subtract degrees from an axillary reading based on any guidance you may have received.

When to see the doctor

Body temperature is only one piece of information. If you or your child feels particularly ill, that should prompt a call for medical advice. In addition to the recommendations above, contact a doctor under any of the following circumstances:

Medication is not bringing the fever down.
Fever rises above 104 degrees.
Severe headache, stiff neck, or trouble breathing occurs.
Seizure occurs. (Note: febrile seizures are relatively common in young children and are usually harmless.)
Person with fever is part of an at-risk population or is an infant is under 3 months old, in which case fever is a medical emergency.

The bottom line is if you are experiencing distressing or unusual symptoms or if you are concerned about a fever, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.

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