A fever, an elevated body temperature, often signals the body’s immune system fighting an infection or illness. This natural defense mechanism can be managed with over-the-counter medications like Advil, which provide relief while the body addresses the underlying cause.
How Advil Works to Reduce Fever
Advil, with its active ingredient ibuprofen, effectively lowers fevers. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that targets chemicals involved in inflammation, pain, and fever.
It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, hormone-like substances. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a primary mediator of fever, signaling the hypothalamus in the brain to raise body temperature.
By blocking COX enzymes, ibuprofen reduces PGE2 production. This resets the hypothalamus to a normal temperature, increasing peripheral blood flow and heat dissipation through vasodilation, thereby reducing fever. The antipyretic effects of ibuprofen begin within an hour.
Safe Use and Important Considerations
Using Advil for fever reduction requires careful attention to dosage and potential side effects. For adults and teenagers, an over-the-counter dose is 200 to 400 milligrams (mg) every four to six hours as needed. The maximum recommended daily dosage for over-the-counter ibuprofen is 1200 mg, unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
For children, ibuprofen dosage is based on body weight, ranging from 5 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight, every six to eight hours. Consult a doctor for children younger than six months, as safety and efficacy have not been established for this age group. Common side effects include stomach upset, abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, and heartburn.
Ibuprofen can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers, especially with long-term use, higher doses, or in individuals over 60. People with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, or those taking blood thinners should use Advil cautiously under medical supervision. Pregnant individuals, particularly in later stages, should avoid ibuprofen unless directed by a doctor due to risks to the baby.
Understanding When to Seek Professional Medical Care
While Advil can help manage a fever, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. For adults, a fever reaching 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, especially if accompanied by severe headache, a stiff neck, a rash, confusion, or difficulty breathing, requires medical attention. Persistent vomiting, chest pain, or abdominal pain alongside a fever also require evaluation.
For infants under three months, any rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher requires prompt medical consultation. Children between three and six months with a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher should also be evaluated by a doctor. Regardless of age, if a fever persists for more than three days, does not respond to medication, or is accompanied by unusual drowsiness, extreme fussiness, an unexplained rash, or seizures, seek immediate medical care.