What medication should an adult take for a fever of 38.1°C?
Nov 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. For adults with a fever of 38.1°C, the choice of medication depends on the specific underlying cause, which could include bacterial infections, viral infections, chronic simple pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, hyperthyroidism, or other conditions. It is recommended to seek treatment under a doctor's guidance. During pregnancy, it's important to get adequate rest, stay warm, and maintain a light diet, which may help alleviate symptoms.
Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. When adults have a fever of 38.1°C, the choice of medication depends on the specific underlying cause, which could include bacterial infection, viral infection, chronic simple pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, hyperthyroidism, or other conditions.
1. Bacterial Infection
When bacteria enter the body, the immune system activates its defense mechanisms to prevent the spread of infection, resulting in fever. It is recommended to take antibiotics under medical supervision. Commonly used medications include roxithromycin capsules, cefixime capsules, and amoxicillin capsules, which help inhibit or kill bacteria and restore body temperature to normal levels.
2. Viral Infection
When the body is infected by viruses, the immune system activates defenses to resist the virus and prevent its spread, leading to fever. Antiviral medications should be taken under a doctor's guidance. Commonly prescribed drugs include valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets, ganciclovir capsules, and oseltamivir phosphate granules, which help combat viral infections and improve symptoms.
3. Chronic Simple Pharyngitis
Pathogens such as bacteria or viruses invading the throat may cause infection and inflammation of throat tissues, leading to increased body temperature. Anti-inflammatory medications are recommended under medical supervision. Commonly used drugs include Lanqin oral liquid, Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, and penicillin V potassium tablets, which help suppress or eliminate bacteria and relieve symptoms.
4. Acute Tonsillitis
When pathogens invade the tonsils, they may trigger an acute inflammatory response, causing discomfort such as sore throat, difficulty breathing, and fever. It is advisable to take medications like ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, indomethacin capsules, or acetaminophen granules under medical guidance to reduce fever. If necessary, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate systemic symptoms. Commonly used corticosteroids include betamethasone tablets, hydrocortisone acetate tablets, and dexamethasone acetate tablets.
5. Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid gland becomes overactive, it may lead to hyperthyroidism, causing excessive production and release of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, resulting in symptoms such as excessive sweating, weakness, and fever. Under medical supervision, medications such as propranolol hydrochloride tablets, methimazole tablets, and propylthiouracil tablets are recommended to help inhibit thyroid hormone conversion and control symptoms caused by excess thyroid hormones.
Patients are advised to seek medical attention at a hospital for systematic evaluation and accurate diagnosis, followed by appropriate treatment under a physician’s guidance. During pregnancy, it is important to get adequate rest, stay warm, and maintain a light diet to help alleviate symptoms.
