A fever is your body's way of telling you that something is not quite right as it begins to fight off whatever virus or infection is causing it.

You can effectively reduce your fever by using various over-the-counter medicines. We are here help by breaking down treatment options with simple, easy-to-understand resources that will allow you to make a decision that is best (and safest) for you or a loved one.

A normal body temperature is typically at or around 98.6°F, and a temperature above your normal temperature range is considered a fever. Fever symptoms – or symptoms that are commonly experienced with a fever – may include sweating, chills and shivering, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and dehydration.

Fevers can be uncomfortable, but they are not usually dangerous. A low-grade fever (98.6°F – 100.4°F) typically does not require medical treatment and can usually be fought off at home with rest and hydration. There are also a number of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available to help lower a fever that you can add to your treatment toolkit. If your fever is at or above 104°F, immediately seek medical attention.

Fever Reducer

Fever Reducer

Over-the-counter fever reducers are medicines that can lower fever and also treat mild to moderate pain. These medicines can be taken by mouth in the form of pills or liquids or inserted into the rectum in suppository form. Fever reducers come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid solutions, and syrups.

There are two basic types of OTC medicines that work as fever reducers:

Additional Information
Other examples of OTC fever reducers:
  • Feverall® Acetaminophen Suppositories
    Contains the active ingredient Acetaminophen
  • Bufferin® Buffered Aspirin
    Contains the active ingredient Aspirin
  • Store brands (ex. Walmart's “Equate” store brand or CVS Health's store brand)
Safe Use Tips

Safe Use Tips for 

Fever Reducer

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Safety Tips for 

Fever

Always read and follow the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the medicine, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should take, and when you should not take the product.

  • Talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional before using more than one pain reliever or fever reducer at the same time.
  • Stop use and contact a healthcare professional if your fever lasts more than 3 days.
  • If a severe allergic reaction occurs and you experience symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, or blisters, immediately seek medical attention.
  • If you take low-dose aspirin for protection against heart attack and stroke, be aware that some NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, may interfere.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional before use.
  • Talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns before taking an OTC fever reducer.

If you think you have taken or given too much of a medicine, immediately contact a healthcare professional or Poison Control at 888-222-1222.

Homeopathic Products


Homeopathic fever reducing products are derived from plants, minerals, and animal substances that are known for their pharmacological or biological actions. For safety, read all instructions and warnings on the product label before taking any homeopathic product and follow all dosing instructions. Please be aware that products labeled as homeopathic and currently marketed in the U.S. have not been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or mitigate any diseases or conditions.

OTC homeopathic fever reducer medicines include:

  • Aconitum napellus
  • Anas barbariae
  • Ferrum phosphoricum
  • Gelsemium sempervirens
  • Rhus tox