Alternative treatments for fevers: Exploring your choices
In the event of a fever, many people turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medications for relief. However, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with these medications, particularly when used long-term.
A fever, defined as any temperature at 100.4°F (38°C) or above, is the immune system's response to illness, attempting to kill viruses and bacteria by raising the body's temperature. While medications for fever do not treat the underlying condition, they can help reduce the fever and other symptoms of the illness.
For instance, acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a common OTC medication that can help reduce fever and other symptoms, such as pain. Although side effects are rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction. Acetaminophen, commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol, is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic agent.
However, regular long-term use of OTC fever-reducing medications, including acetaminophen, can lead to significant health risks. For ibuprofen and naproxen, both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), chronic use can cause gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and upper GI bleeding, increased risk of kidney damage, cardiovascular risks, and even hearing loss.
Ibuprofen and naproxen are not to be combined with other NSAIDs due to additive risks without increased benefit. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, generally has fewer gastrointestinal and kidney side effects compared to NSAIDs but carries a risk of liver damage when used in high doses or prolonged periods, even at therapeutic doses if misused or in susceptible individuals.
In summary, it's crucial for individuals using these medications regularly for prolonged periods to seek monitoring by a healthcare provider to avoid or manage potential complications. Parents and caregivers should also consult a doctor before administering any medications to a child.
When in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional for advice on the appropriate use of OTC fever medications. In rare cases, a person can experience an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, and caregivers should not give aspirin to children or teens without first consulting a doctor.
[1] DailyMed. (2021). ibuprofen. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4a936087-084a-452c-a17c-e8805c697f81
[2] DailyMed. (2021). acetaminophen. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d3e8888d-4f0d-4ddc-8d55-52e8b07a6890
[3] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/drugs-supplements/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-nsaids
[4] National Institute on Aging. (2021). Acetaminophen. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/acetaminophen
[5] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/acetaminophen-tylenol
- A caregiver should consult a doctor before administering acetaminophen to a child, as there is a risk of an allergic reaction in some individuals.
- While acetaminophen has fewer gastrointestinal and kidney side effects than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it can still cause liver damage when used in high doses or for prolonged periods, even at therapeutic doses if misused or in susceptible individuals.
- For individuals using over-the-counter (OTC) fever-reducing medications like ibuprofen or naproxen regularly for prolonged periods, it's crucial to seek monitoring by a healthcare provider to avoid or manage potential complications, such as gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, upper GI bleeding, kidney damage, cardiovascular risks, and hearing loss.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health management, therapies-and-treatments often involve a holistic approach that includes fitness-and-exercise, science-backed medication usage, and regular monitoring to ensure optimal well-being, with a caregiver playing a significant role in this journey.
