Skip to main content

Does help ibuprofen reduce fever?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 4, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, generics) does reduce fever. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Ibuprofen can be bought over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription in the 200 mg strength.

It can be used in adults and children 6 months of age and older. Follow the directions on the OTC Drug Facts Label to determine your dose, or your child's dose, of ibuprofen for fever.

Read next

Ibuprofen is short acting, while naproxen is long acting and more likely to cause an upset stomach. Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs so they are similar in many ways, but there are important differences. Continue reading

Even though aspirin and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and work similarly, there are several differences between the two drugs and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading

Despite popular belief that you have to take ibuprofen with food, you can take ibuprofen on an empty stomach and this will give you faster pain relief than taking it with food. Food increases the time it takes for ibuprofen to be absorbed, although it won't affect how much is absorbed. There is actually no evidence that taking ibuprofen with food prevents gastric irritation – ibuprofen at OTC doses has a low incidence of gastric irritation anyway. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups

Medical Disclaimer