For pain or discomfort caused by a fever, options include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or aspirin. Follow the dosage instructions on the label and avoid using multiple medications containing acetaminophen. If the fever persists, reaches 103 F (39.4 C) or higher, or lasts more than three days, consult your doctor.
Acetaminophen: Active in Tylenol and various prescription/non-prescription drugs. Acts on brain areas perceiving pain and regulating body temperature.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen): Alleviate pain and fever by reducing substances causing pain and regulating body temperature. Found in Advil, Motrin, Bayer, St. Joseph, and Aleve.
Aspirin: May cause gastrointestinal issues like indigestion and bleeding risk, especially for those with bleeding disorders. Allergic reactions are possible, and it can exacerbate asthma. In children, aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome. It may interact with other medications and pose renal issues with prolonged use. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider. Always follow recommended dosages and seek medical advice for concerns.
Caffeine is sometimes added to combination medications to enhance the pain-relieving properties of aspirin and promote quicker absorption. However, it's essential to be cautious, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine or have conditions that may be exacerbated by stimulants.
The combination can potentially lead to increased heart rate, nervousness, or difficulty sleeping. Always follow the recommended dosage, read medication labels for caffeine content, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.
These medications won't cure illnesses but can relieve symptoms, providing comfort during a cold, flu, or fever.
Drugs used to treat Pain/Fever
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access
Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
