How long do antipyretics last? Have you ever suffered from a high fever and rushed to the pharmacy to buy some antipyretics? Have you ever wondered how long do these over-the-counter medications last in our system before they start wearing off?
Antipyretics, or fever reducers, are drugs used for controlling a high body temperature and reliving pain caused by inflammation.
The exact way that these medications work is still not well understood but their effects have been known for centuries in traditional medicine.
When taken properly, antipyretics can be highly effective at reducing fevers, but their effects don’t last forever.
In this article we will answer the question:How long do antipyretics last? We will also discuss the proper methods of using these medications so that they can provide relief and prevent unwanted side effects.
How Long do Antipyretics Last
Antipyretics, more commonly known as fever-reducing drugs, are a class of drugs used to reduce fever and control the symptoms of infections.
While most prescription and over-the-counter antipyretics have similar effects and commonly last up to 6 hours, they vary in how long they remain effective depending on the type of medication used.
Here’s what you need to know about the effectiveness of different types of antipyretics:
Based on the Types:
Acetaminophen
Adults and children age 12 or older who take acetaminophen for fever can expect a single dose to provide relief for around four to six hours.
However, it is recommended that a second dose should not be taken until four hours after the first dose has been administered.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves pain and inflammation due to fever.
A single dose of ibuprofen typically lasts 4–6 hours.
It must be taken every 6–8 hours – no more often than 3 times in 24 hours – to keep reducing fever throughout the day and night.
Aspirin
The active ingredient in aspirin, known as salicylate, is an NSAID that reduces fever when taken orally.
A single adult aspirin usually lasts up to 4–6 hours; however, children and adolescents should not take aspirin at all because it could cause Reye’s syndrome (a serious condition linked with decreased mental functioning).
Naproxen
Naproxen is an NSAID available by prescription or over-the-counter under several brand names including Aleve® and Midol® marketed specifically for reproductive health issues or period cramps.
Naproxen typically works for 8–12 hours per dose but should not be taken more than twice per 24 hour period.
Based on the Times:
Short-Acting Antipyretics
Short-acting antipyretics contain medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen sodium that offer relief from fever for a short amount of time.
This type of antipyretic can last up to four hours, however some may only last two hours depending on the individual and dosage amount.
The good thing about short-acting antipyretics is that they provide fast relief from fever.
Longer Lasting Antipyretics
In comparison to short-acting antipyretics, longer lasting drugs can temporarily relieve fevers for up to 8 hours or more.
Commonly prescribed drugs such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) and possibly codeine are known to be longer lasting than other antipyretic medications.
Combination medications may also be used which often contain several ingredients that offer both quick-acting and longer lasting results; this will differs between different countries and medication manufacturers.
Conclusion
Antipyretics are a great way to help relieve fever symptoms quickly.
Though they can provide quick relief, it’s important to remember that their effects typically don’t last very long and should not be relied on as the only method of managing fever.
Before taking antipyretics, be sure to speak with your doctor about their advisability and potential side effects.
With the right approach, you can find the relief you need in a safe and effective manner.
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