Will ibuprofen reduce fever
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Efficacy of Ibuprofen in Reducing Fever
Introduction to Fever Management
Fever is a common symptom that often prompts individuals to seek medical attention. It is typically managed with antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen). This article synthesizes research findings on the effectiveness of ibuprofen in reducing fever, comparing it with paracetamol and exploring its use in different patient populations.
Ibuprofen vs. Paracetamol for Fever Reduction
Comparative Studies in Adults
Several studies have compared the efficacy of intravenous (IV) ibuprofen and paracetamol in reducing fever in adults. A randomized double-blind study found that both IV ibuprofen (400 mg) and IV paracetamol (1000 mg) significantly reduced fever within the first 30 minutes, with no significant difference in their effectiveness1. Another study focusing on adults with tonsillopharyngitis reported similar findings, noting that while ibuprofen had a more pronounced effect in the first 15 minutes, both drugs were equally effective in reducing fever over a 60-minute period2.
Pediatric Population
In pediatric patients, ibuprofen has also been shown to be effective in reducing fever. A multicenter study demonstrated that a single dose of IV ibuprofen (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced temperature more effectively than acetaminophen over a 2-hour and 4-hour period3. Additionally, a meta-analysis comparing ibuprofen and acetaminophen in children with infectious fever concluded that ibuprofen was more effective at reducing temperature at 1, 2, and 4 hours post-administration6.
Ibuprofen Administration Routes
Intravenous vs. Oral and Suppository Forms
The route of administration can influence the effectiveness of ibuprofen. A study comparing oral and suppository forms of ibuprofen in children found that while both forms were effective, the suppository form reduced fever more quickly7. This suggests that the choice of administration route can be tailored based on patient needs and circumstances.
Combined Use with Paracetamol
Combining ibuprofen with paracetamol has been explored to enhance fever reduction. However, a randomized controlled trial indicated that the combined use of these medications provided only a marginal benefit over using either drug alone, suggesting that routine combined use may not be warranted5. Another study found that alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen could reduce the proportion of children with refractory fever, although it did not significantly improve overall distress levels9.
Safety Considerations
Adverse Effects and COVID-19 Concerns
Safety is a critical consideration when using ibuprofen to treat fever. Studies have generally found no significant differences in adverse events between ibuprofen and paracetamol4 6. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns were raised about the potential for ibuprofen to worsen outcomes in COVID-19 patients. While ibuprofen is effective in reducing fever, its use in COVID-19 patients should be carefully considered due to the potential for fever to play a beneficial role in the immune response10.
Conclusion
Ibuprofen is an effective antipyretic for reducing fever in both adults and children. It performs comparably to paracetamol, with some studies suggesting a slight edge in early fever reduction. The choice of administration route and the potential benefits of combining or alternating with paracetamol should be tailored to individual patient needs. Safety remains a paramount concern, particularly in the context of COVID-19, where the role of fever in the immune response must be considered.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Comparison of intravenous ibuprofen and paracetamol in the treatment of fever: A randomized double-blind study.
Intravenous ibuprofen and paracetamol effectively reduce fever and accompanying pain in adult emergency department patients, with no significant difference in their effectiveness.
RCT
Rigorous JournalComparative evaluation of the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol and ibuprofen on the treatment of tonsillopharyngitis with fever: A prospective, randomized controlled, double-blind clinical trial
Ibuprofen has a stronger efficacy in controlling fever in the first 15 minutes of treatment for tonsillopharyngitis, potentially enabling rapid discharge from the emergency department.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalA multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-comparator trial to determine the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of intravenous ibuprofen for treatment of fever in hospitalized pediatric patients
Intravenous ibuprofen effectively reduces fever in hospitalized pediatric patients compared to acetaminophen, providing an effective option for fever treatment.
RCTRigorous JournalA multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of intravenous ibuprofen for the treatment of fever in critically ill and non-critically ill adults
Intravenous ibuprofen effectively reduces fevers in both critically ill and non-critically ill adults, with the 400 mg dose being most effective in maintaining temperature over 24 hours.
RCTRandomised controlled trial of combined paracetamol and ibuprofen for fever
Combined paracetamol and ibuprofen reduce fever by less than half a degree centigrade in the first hour, insufficient for routine use.
RCTComparison between Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen in the Treatment of Infectious Fever in Children: A Meta-Analysis
Ibuprofen is more effective than acetaminophen in treating infectious fever in children, with no significant difference in adverse events.
Meta-AnalysisThe efficacy of suppository versus oral ibuprofen for reducing fever in children
Ibuprofen suppository is significantly faster than oral ibuprofen for reducing fever in children, but both preparations show no significant difference in maximum temperature lowering ability and duration of effect.
RCTFever management: evaluating the use of ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Ibuprofen is marginally more effective than paracetamol in reducing fever in children and young people, but more methodologically sound research using equivalent doses is needed.
Systematic ReviewAlternating Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen versus Monotherapies in Improvements of Distress and Reducing Refractory Fever in Febrile Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen can reduce the proportion of children with refractory fever, but may have minimal to no clinical efficacy in reducing febrile distress.
RCT
Large Human Trial