What should I do if my temperature remains at 39°C after taking fever-reducing medication?
Nov 17, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
If the body temperature remains at 39°C after taking antipyretic medication, physical cooling methods such as wiping the armpits, back, soles of the feet, and palms with a wet towel or alcohol can be used for observation. The dosage of antipyretics may be increased according to medical advice, such as taking medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Alternatively, under doctor's guidance, intravenous or intramuscular injection of compound aminophenazone and barbital may be administered for fever reduction.
If the body temperature remains at 39°C after taking antipyretic medication, treatment options include physical cooling, increasing drug dosage, or intravenous injection.
1. Physical cooling
If body temperature remains at 39°C after taking antipyretics and less than 4 hours have passed since the last dose, physical cooling methods can be used, such as wiping the armpits, back, soles of the feet, and palms with a wet towel or alcohol. Drinking plenty of water is also recommended, as maintaining adequate fluid levels helps the medication work more effectively and promotes faster fever reduction.
2. Increasing drug dosage
If fever persists at 39°C four hours after taking antipyretics, it may be due to insufficient dosage. In such cases, the dose of antipyretic medication may be increased under medical guidance, for example, by taking medications such as acetaminophen tablets or ibuprofen tablets.
3. Intravenous or intramuscular injection
If high fever persists despite oral antipyretics, intravenous or intramuscular injection of compound aminophenazone barbiturate may be administered under a doctor's supervision. If high fever continues for an extended period, prompt medical evaluation including a complete blood count is necessary to determine whether the cause is viral or bacterial infection, followed by appropriate treatment as directed by a physician.
