Paracetamol
Panadol · Efferalgan · Paracetamol Zentiva
See pricesFever — what to take?
Fever (>37.5°C axillary or >38°C rectal) is a natural response of the immune system to infection. It is not a disease but a symptom — what matters is finding the cause and lowering the fever only when it bothers the patient.
Also known as:
high temperature
pyrexia
high fever
hyperpyrexia
3
recommended OTC drugs
8,296
pharmacies available
In short: A fever isn't a disease but a sign that the immune system is reacting to an infection; it usually becomes noticeable above 37.5°C measured under the arm. Over-the-counter antipyretics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid are used as a guide only, when the temperature is bothersome — not for every fraction of a degree. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the price of these options across the large pharmacies (Dr. Max, Tei, Catena, HelpNet), with figures updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation; see a doctor for any fever in an infant under 3 months old.
Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.
OTC — no prescription
What you can take for fever
Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.
When to see a doctor
If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:
- Any fever in an infant under 3 months
- Fever above 39.5°C that does not respond to an antipyretic
- Fever lasting more than 3 days without a clear cause
- Fever with neck stiffness, confusion, seizures
- Fever with a skin rash
- Fever in an immunocompromised person (cancer, transplant, HIV)
How to measure temperature correctly
The digital axillary thermometer (under the arm) is the most common — normal 36-37°C, fever above 37.5°C. The rectal thermometer (standard in infants) reads 0.3-0.5°C higher. Infrared thermometers for the ear and forehead are convenient but less accurate.
Do not measure immediately after exertion, a hot bath, or a hot meal — falsely high readings. Wait 20-30 minutes.
When to treat fever
In healthy adults, fever up to 38.5°C usually does not require treatment — it is useful, it speeds up the immune response. You treat it when the discomfort is significant, in children under 3 months with any fever (a medical emergency), and in patients with chronic cardiac or pulmonary diseases.
OTC antipyretics
Paracetamol is the first choice — 500-1000 mg every 4-6h, maximum 4 g/day in adults. In children, 10-15 mg/kg/dose every 4-6h. It is safe even during pregnancy.
Ibuprofen 200-400 mg every 6-8h lowers both fever and inflammation. In children, 5-10 mg/kg/dose. Avoid it in severe dehydration, kidney failure, and ulcer.
You can alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen every 3h if the fever is high and persistent — a strategy validated in children over 6 months.
Non-pharmacological measures
- Generous hydration (water, soups, electrolytes).
- Light clothing, room temperature 20-22°C.
- Cool compresses on the forehead and armpits (NOT ice-cold, they induce chills and raise the fever).
- Avoid sponging with alcohol — contraindicated in children.
Common causes
Viral infections (cold, flu, COVID, gastroenteritis) are the most common. Bacterial infections (strep throat, pneumonia, urinary, ear infection) usually cause a higher fever. Other causes: post-vaccination reactions, autoimmune diseases, thyroiditis, malignancies.
Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a health professional.
Medicines compared
Medicines used for fever
This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.
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Aspirin, 500 mg, 20 drajeuri, Bayer
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Paduden Express Forte, 400 mg, 10 capsule moi, Terapia
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Mig 400, 400 mg, 10 comprimate filmate, Berlin-Chemie Ag
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Fasconal, 20 comprimate, Gedeon Richter
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Caffetin, 12 comprimate, Alkaloid
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Biofen Forte, 400 mg, 16 capsule moi, Biofarm
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Solpadeine, 500 mg/8 mg/30 mg, 12 comprimate efervescente, Omega Pharma
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Synocam, 200 mg/500 mg, 10 comprimate filmate, Dr. Reddys
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Analgex, 400 mg/325 mg, 12 comprimate filmate, Laropharm
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Ketifexin, 50 mg granule pentru soluţie orală, 10 plicuri, Sandoz
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Nurofen Immedia Ultra, 400 mg, 12 drajeuri
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Nurofen Duo Max, 200mg/500mg, 24 comprimate filmate, Reckitt Benckiser
This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Search the pharmacy
Medicines for fever
Beyond the OTC products listed above, you can search the comparator by active ingredient and see prices compared across Dr. Max, Catena, Tei, HelpNet and the rest of the chains in our network.
Step by step
How to find a pharmacy fast for fever
Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For fever most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.
If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for fever runs over weeks.
See also
Related symptoms and conditions
Frequently asked
What else do you want to know?
- At what temperature do we talk about fever?
- Above 37.5°C axillary or 38°C rectal. Low-grade: 37-37.5°C. High fever: above 39°C. Hyperpyrexia: above 41°C (emergency).
- Do I have to lower every fever?
- No. Fever is useful. In healthy adults you can tolerate up to 38.5°C without an antipyretic. In young children and certain chronic diseases, treatment is started earlier for comfort.
- Can I alternate paracetamol with ibuprofen in a child?
- Yes, in children over 6 months you can alternate every 3h if the fever is persistent. Note the times so you do not exceed the daily doses for each molecule.
- What do I do if the fever lasts more than 3 days?
- Go to the doctor — a prolonged fever may indicate a bacterial infection requiring an antibiotic, or rarer causes requiring investigation.
See also
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