Top 10 Fever Tablets In Pakistan (Uses & Dosage)

That sudden wave of chills, body ache, and rising temperature is a universal signal: fever has arrived. In Pakistan, a vast array of over-the-counter and prescription fever tablets fills pharmacy shelves, making the choice confusing and sometimes risky. This comprehensive guide cuts through the clutter, providing a definitive analysis of the most effective fever tablets available in Pakistan, their precise uses, scientifically-backed dosages, and critical safety warnings.

In this complete guide, you will learn:
✅ The definitive list of the top 10 most used and effective fever tablets in Pakistan.
✅ A clear understanding of how antipyretics work and the different types of fever.
✅ Detailed profiles of each tablet, including brand names, chemical entities, and primary indications.
✅ Direct comparisons between popular choices like Dolo 650, Paracetamol, and Crocin.
✅ Accurate adult and pediatric dosage charts for safe administration.
✅ The crucial difference between fever reducers and antibiotics like Azithromycin.
✅ Evidence-based answers to the most searched questions on fever medication in Pakistan.

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Understanding Fever: Causes and Types Before Reaching for a Tablet

Fever, or pyrexia, is not a disease itself but a physiological symptom indicating your body’s immune system is actively fighting an invader. It is a controlled elevation of body temperature beyond the normal range (typically above 37.5°C or 99.5°F orally), orchestrated by the brain’s hypothalamus in response to pyrogens, which are fever-producing substances often from infections.

Reaching for the nearest fever tablet is a common reflex, but understanding the underlying cause is the cornerstone of effective treatment. Fever can stem from:

• Viral Infections: The most common cause, including influenza (flu), common cold, dengue fever, and COVID-19.
• Bacterial Infections: Such as typhoid, urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and strep throat.
• Other Causes: Inflammatory conditions, certain cancers, heat exhaustion, or reactions to medications.

Self-medication with fever tablets can mask symptoms of serious conditions. If fever is persistently high (above 103°F), lasts more than 3 days, or is accompanied by a stiff neck, severe headache, rash, or shortness of breath, immediate medical consultation is essential.

What are the 4 types of fever?

Clinically, fever patterns can sometimes offer clues, though they are not definitive for diagnosis. The four primary clinical fever types are:

1. Intermittent Fever: The temperature rises but falls back to normal (afebrile) each day. Malaria commonly presents with this pattern.
2. Remittent Fever: The temperature fluctuates but does not return to the normal baseline. This is very common in viral illnesses and typhoid.
3. Sustained or Continuous Fever: The body temperature remains consistently elevated with minimal variation (less than 0.3°C/0.5°F). Seen in bacterial pneumonia or typhoid fever.
4. Relapsing Fever: Periods of fever lasting several days alternate with periods of normal temperature lasting days or weeks. Associated with specific infections like borreliosis.

Identifying the pattern, while informative, should not replace professional diagnosis, especially in a region like Pakistan with endemic diseases like malaria and typhoid.

How Do Fever-Reducing Tablets (Antipyretics) Work?

Fever-reducing medications, known scientifically as antipyretics, work by resetting the body’s thermostat in the hypothalamus. They inhibit the activity of enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX), particularly COX-2 in the brain. This inhibition reduces the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a key chemical messenger that signals the hypothalamus to raise the body’s temperature set-point.

By lowering the concentration of PGE2, antipyretics effectively tell the brain to lower the set-point back to normal. The body then initiates cooling mechanisms like vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and sweating to lose heat. Importantly, most antipyretics also possess analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, addressing the body aches that often accompany fever.

The two primary classes of over-the-counter antipyretics available in Pakistan are:

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): A centrally-acting analgesic and antipyretic with minimal anti-inflammatory effect.
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Such as Ibuprofen, Mefenamic Acid, and Diclofenac. These provide antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory triple action.

The Top 10 Fever Tablets in Pakistan: Detailed Profiles

This ranking is based on prevalence in Pakistani pharmacies, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and frequency of prescription. The list moves from first-line general use to more specific medications.

Paracetamol (Generic & Various Brands: Panadol, Calpol)

Paracetamol, also known internationally as acetaminophen, is the global cornerstone of fever and mild-to-moderate pain management. In Pakistan, it is available as a generic drug and under numerous brand names, making it the most accessible antipyretic.

Which paracetamol tablet is best?

The best paracetamol tablet is one that is from a reputable manufacturer, stored correctly, and used at the appropriate dose. Generic paracetamol (often labeled simply as “Paracetamol 500mg”) is bioequivalent to branded versions like Panadol or Calpol, meaning it has the same active ingredient and effectiveness. The choice often boils down to patient trust in a brand, formulation (tablet, dispersible, syrup), and price point.

What tablet is good for high fever?

Paracetamol is a first-line recommendation for reducing high fever in both adults and children due to its well-established efficacy and favorable safety profile when used correctly. It is particularly effective for the high fever associated with viral infections like influenza and dengue.

• Primary Uses: Reduction of fever (antipyretic) and relief of mild to moderate pain such as headache, body aches, and toothache.
• Standard Adult Dosage: 500mg to 1000mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The maximum daily dose for adults is 4000mg (4 grams).
• Standard Pediatric Dosage: 10-15mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, given every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours.
• Common Pakistani Brand Names: Panadol, Calpol, Pamol, Febrol, Paramol.
• Safety Profile & Warnings: Paracetamol is generally safe at recommended doses. However, overdose is extremely dangerous and can cause severe, potentially fatal liver damage. It should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver conditions like hepatitis. Avoid concurrent use with other products containing paracetamol (e.g., many cold and flu syrups).

Dolo 650 (Paracetamol 650mg)

Dolo 650 has become a household name in Pakistan, synonymous with fever treatment. It is simply a 650mg strength tablet of paracetamol, marketed by Micro Labs.

Is Dolo 650 used for fever?

Yes, Dolo 650 is primarily and extensively used for the reduction of fever in adults. Its 650mg strength is a common therapeutic dose that provides effective and longer-lasting antipyresis compared to the standard 500mg tablet for many individuals.

What is the brand name of paracetamol 650?

While paracetamol 650mg is manufactured by several companies, Dolo 650 is by far the most recognized and widely used brand name for this specific strength in Pakistan.

Which is better, Dolo 650 or paracetamol 500?

This depends on the prescribed or required dose.

• Dolo 650 (650mg): May provide a slightly stronger and more prolonged effect per tablet. It is often preferred for adults with higher fever or body mass.
• Paracetamol 500mg: Offers more dosing flexibility. For a 1000mg dose, you can take two 500mg tablets, whereas with Dolo, you cannot precisely achieve 1000mg without cutting tablets.
  Both are equally effective per milligram. The choice should be based on doctor’s advice and the need for precise dosing.

Ibuprofen (Brands: Brufen, Ibugesic)

Ibuprofen is a leading Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory effects alongside its antipyretic and analgesic properties.

Best medicine for fever and body pain?

For fever accompanied by significant inflammation, such as severe body aches, sore throat, or joint pain, ibuprofen is often considered superior to plain paracetamol due to its triple action. It is highly effective for the muscular pain associated with influenza.

• Primary Uses: Treatment of fever, inflammatory pain (like arthritis, sprains), dysmenorrhea (period pain), headache, and dental pain.
• Standard Adult Dosage: 200mg to 400mg every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum OTC daily limit is typically 1200mg, but higher doses may be prescribed.
• Common Pakistani Brand Names: Brufen, Ibugesic, Advil, Nurofen.
• Safety Profile & Warnings: Ibuprofen can irritate the gastric lining, leading to heartburn, nausea, or ulcers. It should be taken with food or milk. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of stomach ulcers, severe kidney disease, asthma exacerbated by NSAIDs, and in the third trimester of pregnancy. It may also interact with blood thinners.

Aspirin (Brands: Disprin, Solprin)

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is one of the oldest NSAIDs. While its use as a routine antipyretic has declined, it remains important for specific indications.

• Primary Uses: Low-dose (75-150mg) for cardiovascular protection (antiplatelet). Higher doses for pain, fever, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatic fever.
• Critical Warning – Reye’s Syndrome: Aspirin must NEVER be given to children or teenagers under 16 years for fever management, unless specifically prescribed by a doctor for conditions like Kawasaki disease. Its use in viral infections (like chickenpox or flu) is linked to Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but severe illness causing liver and brain damage.
• Standard Adult Dosage (for fever/pain): 300mg to 600mg every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 4g daily.
• Common Pakistani Brand Names: Disprin (often soluble), Solprin, Aspirin protect (low-dose).

Mefenamic Acid (Brand: Ponstan)

Mefenamic acid is an NSAID particularly favored in Pakistan for its effectiveness in certain types of pain and fever.

Medicine for fever and body pain in pakistan?

Ponstan (Mefenamic Acid) is a frequently prescribed and purchased medication in Pakistan for the dual symptoms of fever and significant body pain, especially when related to inflammatory conditions. It is also a first-line treatment for primary dysmenorrhea.

• Primary Uses: Fever, mild to moderate pain (including post-dental surgery pain), and especially for menstrual pain (period cramps).
• Standard Adult Dosage: 500mg initial dose, followed by 250mg every 6 hours as needed.
• Common Pakistani Brand Names: Ponstan (the dominant brand), Meftal, Mefac.
• Safety Profile & Warnings: Similar to other NSAIDs, it carries a risk of gastrointestinal upset and must be taken with food. It is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or renal impairment.

Naproxen Sodium (Brand: Naax)

Naproxen is another NSAID known for its longer duration of action, which can be beneficial for sustained fever and pain relief.

• Primary Uses: Fever, pain, and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, gout, and musculoskeletal disorders.
• Dosage Advantage: Its effects last longer than ibuprofen or diclofenac potassium. A typical dose for adults is 220mg to 550mg twice daily.
• Common Pakistani Brand Names: Naax, Naprosyn, Naxdom.
• Safety Profile: Shares the GI and renal risks of the NSAID class. Its longer half-life means effects and potential side effects persist longer.

Diclofenac Potassium (Brands: Voltral, Dicloron)

Diclofenac is a potent NSAID available in different salts. Diclofenac Potassium is known for its rapid onset of action.

Best medicine for fever and body pain tablet name?

For rapid relief of acute fever with severe inflammatory pain, Diclofenac Potassium (sold as Voltral, Dicloron) is a common prescription choice due to its fast absorption.

• Primary Uses: Acute fever, post-operative pain, migraine, renal colic, and musculoskeletal pain.
• Standard Adult Dosage: 50mg two to three times daily.
• Common Pakistani Brand Names: Voltral, Dicloron, Cataflam.
• Safety Profile & Warnings: In addition to standard NSAID risks, diclofenac has a more pronounced risk of cardiovascular events (like heart attack or stroke) with long-term, high-dose use. It requires cautious use and medical supervision.

Combined Formulations (Brands: Tabalon, Coldarin)

These are “multi-symptom” relief tablets designed to tackle the cluster of symptoms that often accompany fever, such as those from the common cold or influenza.

What are anti-flu tablets?

Anti-flu tablets typically refer to combination drugs that contain an antipyretic (like paracetamol) along with other agents to address nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough. They are not antiviral drugs that fight the flu virus itself, but they manage its symptoms.

What is the famous flu pill?

While Actifed and Tixylix are famous syrups, combination tablets like Tabalon (Paracetamol + Chlorpheniramine + Caffeine) or Coldarin (Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine) are widely used over-the-counter “flu pills” in Pakistan.

• Primary Uses: Relief of multiple cold and flu symptoms simultaneously—fever, headache, body ache, nasal congestion, and runny nose.
• Common Components:
  • Paracetamol: For fever and pain.
  • Chlorpheniramine Maleate: An antihistamine to reduce runny nose and sneezing (may cause drowsiness).
  • Phenylephrine/Pseudoephedrine: A decongestant for a stuffy nose.
  • Caffeine: To counteract drowsiness and potentially enhance pain relief.
• Dosage Caution: It is critical to check the ingredients to avoid accidental paracetamol overdose by taking additional plain paracetamol separately.

Dolo 500 (Paracetamol 500mg)

Is Dolo 500 good for fever?

Yes, Dolo 500 (Paracetamol 500mg) is an effective and commonly used medication for reducing fever and mild pain. It is the standard-strength version of the Dolo brand.

• Profile: It is identical in efficacy to any other paracetamol 500mg tablet or brand like Panadol. The choice between Dolo 500 and generic paracetamol is often one of brand preference and pricing.

Crocin (Paracetamol Brand)

Crocin is another major international brand of paracetamol, widely available and trusted.

Is Dolo stronger than Crocin?

No, if comparing the same milligram strength (e.g., Crocin 650 vs. Dolo 650), they are therapeutically equivalent. Both contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)—paracetamol. The perceived “strength” is a matter of marketing and individual response, not pharmacological difference. Bioequivalence studies confirm that generic and branded paracetamol work identically in the body.

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Critical Comparisons and Safety Deep Dive

Paracetamol vs. NSAIDs: Which Drug is Better for Fever?

The choice isn’t about which is universally “better,” but which is more suitable for a specific individual and situation.

What tablets stop fever?
Both paracetamol and NSAIDs effectively reduce fever. Here’s a comparison table:

Feature	Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)	NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, etc.)
Antipyretic Effect	Excellent	Excellent
Analgesic (Pain) Effect	Good for mild-moderate pain	Good to Excellent, especially for inflammatory pain
Anti-inflammatory Effect	Minimal	Strong
Primary Safety Concern	Liver toxicity on overdose	Stomach irritation, kidney risk, cardiovascular risk
Best For	First-line for simple fever; patients with stomach issues, asthma, or on blood thinners.	Fever with significant inflammation (arthritis, sore throat, severe body ache).
Dosing in Children	First-line recommended	Also effective, but paracetamol is often preferred first.

Which drug is better for fever?
For an otherwise healthy adult with a simple viral fever, paracetamol is often the recommended first choice due to its lower risk of stomach side effects. For fever with pronounced body aches and inflammation, an NSAID like ibuprofen may provide more comprehensive relief. A doctor may even advise alternating them in complex cases, but this must be done under strict timing guidance to avoid overdose.

Antibiotics and Fever: A Crucial Distinction

This is one of the most critical public health messages.

Can I use azithromycin 500 for fever?
No, you should never use azithromycin 500mg or any antibiotic solely to treat a fever. Antibiotics like Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, or Cefixime only work against bacterial infections. They have zero effect on viruses, which cause the majority of fevers (common cold, flu, dengue). Using an antibiotic for a viral fever is ineffective, can cause unnecessary side effects (diarrhea, yeast infections), and contributes to the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making bacteria harder to treat in the future.

What are the top 5 antibiotics?
While not fever tablets, the commonly prescribed oral antibiotics in Pakistan include:

1. Amoxicillin
2. Co-amoxiclav (Augmentin)
3. Cefixime
4. Azithromycin
5. Levofloxacin
   Important: These are prescription-only medications (POM). They should only be taken when a qualified doctor diagnoses a bacterial infection and prescribes a complete course.

What is the Fastest Cure for Fever?

What is the fastest cure for fever?
There is no instant “cure” for fever, as it is a symptom. The fastest way to reduce a fever involves:

1. Fast-Acting Medications: Dispersible or soluble tablets (like soluble aspirin or paracetamol) or syrups are absorbed more quickly than standard coated tablets.
2. Physical Cooling Measures: Used alongside medication:
   • Lukewarm sponging (not cold water or ice baths).
   • Staying in a cool, well-ventilated room.
   • Wearing light clothing.
   • Drinking plenty of fluids (water, ORS) to prevent dehydration.
3. Treating the Root Cause: The fever will recur unless the underlying infection (viral, bacterial) is addressed by the body’s immune system or, in bacterial cases, with appropriate antibiotics.

Comprehensive Dosage Guide: How Many Tablets Per Day?

How many flu tablets per day?
Always follow the specific instructions on the leaflet or from your pharmacist/doctor. Never exceed the stated dose. Below is a general guide for common antipyretics in adults (≥12 years or ≥40kg).

Drug (Common Strength)	Standard Adult Dose	Maximum Daily Dose	Minimum Interval Between Doses
Paracetamol (500mg)	1-2 tablets (500-1000mg)	8 tablets (4000mg)	4 hours
Dolo 650 (650mg)	1 tablet (650mg)	6 tablets (3900mg)	4-6 hours
Ibuprofen (200mg)	1-2 tablets (200-400mg)	6 tablets (1200mg)	4-6 hours
Mefenamic Acid (250mg)	1 tablet (250mg) after a 500mg load	4 tablets (1000mg)	6 hours

Pediatric Dosage is ALWAYS weight-based, not age-based. Use a proper syringe or measuring cup with pediatric syrups (e.g., Panadol Syrup, Brufen Suspension). Consult a pediatrician for accurate dosing.

Severe Side Effects and When to Avoid

All medications carry potential side effects.

• Paracetamol Overdose: The most serious risk is acute liver failure. Symptoms of overdose may not appear for 24-48 hours but include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the antidote but must be administered early.
• NSAIDs Risks:
  • Gastrointestinal: Ulcers, bleeding, perforation.
  • Renal: Reduced blood flow to kidneys, especially risky in dehydrated patients or those with existing kidney disease. Is Dolo safe for kidneys? Paracetamol is generally safer for kidneys than NSAIDs at recommended doses.
  • Cardiovascular: Increased risk of heart attack and stroke with long-term, high-dose use, particularly with diclofenac.
  • Asthma Exacerbation: Can trigger severe attacks in susceptible individuals.

Contraindications: Avoid NSAIDs if you have a known allergy to them, active peptic ulcer disease, severe heart failure, advanced kidney disease, or are in the third trimester of pregnancy. Paracetamol is contraindicated in severe liver impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –