Do I still need to take fever-reducing medicine if I no longer have a fever?
Jan 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Antipyretics generally refer to analgesic-antipyretic anti-inflammatory drugs. If a patient no longer has a fever, these medications are usually not needed. Continuing the medication while not having a fever may lead to adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting. It should be noted that analgesic-antipyretic anti-inflammatory drugs should only be taken under a doctor's guidance when body temperature exceeds 38.5°C; self-medication is not recommended to avoid delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.
Antipyretic drugs generally refer to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with fever-reducing, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties. If a patient no longer has a fever, they usually do not need to take these medications.
NSAIDs are a class of drugs that provide antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatic effects. Their primary mechanism is the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the body. They have a distinct anti-inflammatory action and are mainly used to treat conditions such as fever due to colds, headaches, toothaches, neuralgia, joint pain, and muscle pain. Additionally, some NSAIDs can inhibit platelet aggregation and help prevent thrombosis.
Generally, if a patient's fever has subsided, it is not recommended to continue taking NSAIDs such as aspirin tablets, indomethacin tablets, ibuprofen tablets, or celecoxib capsules. These medications can significantly affect the gastrointestinal system. Continuing their use after fever resolution may increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal discomfort, and even rashes, drowsiness, abnormal liver or kidney function, and excessive sweating. Patients should maintain adequate hydration by drinking 1500–2000 mL of water daily, keep warm and dress appropriately to avoid catching a chill, and maintain regular sleep patterns to avoid overexertion. Moreover, continued use of NSAIDs after fever resolution may cause excessive sweating, leading to excessive heat loss, abnormally low body temperature, and even dehydration. In patients with poor physical condition, excessive medication intake may加重 the burden on the liver and kidneys, impair timely drug metabolism and excretion, and result in toxic side effects that damage liver and kidney function.
It is important to note that NSAIDs should only be taken under a doctor’s guidance when body temperature exceeds 38.5°C. Self-medication should be avoided to prevent delays in proper diagnosis and treatment.
