Quick Take
A social media post suggest that fever-reducing medicines (antipyretics) should be avoided because they can severely damage the kidneys, liver and that soaking the legs in warm water while drinking warm water is a safer way to reduce fever. We fact-checked this claim and found it to be False.
The Claim
A Facebook video claims that antipyretic medicines such as paracetamol should not be used to treat fever because they allegedly cause serious side effects, including kidney failure and liver damage. Instead, it recommends immersing the legs in warm water while drinking warm water, claiming this method can reduce fever in a single attempt and is safer and more effective than conventional fever medications.
Fact Check
Do antipyretic drugs affect the kidneys and harm the liver?
No. Antipyretic medicines do not usually harm the kidneys or liver when they are taken correctly. Drugs such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are commonly used to reduce fever and are generally considered safe when used at the recommended dose and for a short duration. However, problems can arise if these medicines are taken in excessive amounts, for longer than advised, or by people with certain underlying medical conditions.
Paracetamol is widely regarded as the safest first-line medicine for reducing fever. However, taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious liver damage and, in severe cases, may lead to acute liver failure. Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can affect kidney function, particularly in people who are dehydrated or those with pre-existing kidney disease. Long-term or inappropriate use of NSAIDs may also increase the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Dr Kashyap Dakshini, General Physician from Mumbai, explains, “Paracetamol is considered the safest antipyretic for treating fever. While other drugs like ibuprofen and NSAIDs also have antipyretic effects, they should be used with caution. Prolonged use can adversely affect the stomach, liver, and kidneys. NSAIDs are generally not recommended for people with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, liver disorders, or certain heart conditions.”
Therefore, antipyretic medicines themselves are not inherently harmful to the liver or kidneys. The risk largely depends on incorrect dosing, prolonged use, dehydration, or existing health conditions. Using these medicines exactly as directed and seeking medical advice when fever persists or worsens can help minimise the risk of complications.
Can warm water foot immersion replace fever-reducing medicines?
No. Soaking your feet or legs in warm water may provide temporary comfort and help you feel more relaxed, but it cannot replace fever-reducing medicines (antipyretics) such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. While drinking warm water is important for staying hydrated during a fever, it does not lower body temperature either.
A small study cited in social media posts reported that warm water foot immersion reduced body temperature by around 1.1°F (0.6°C) in people with mild to moderate fever. However, the study had important limitations. It involved only a small number of participants, included patients with relatively mild fevers, and did not directly compare warm water immersion with standard fever medications. As a result, the findings are not strong enough to recommend this method as an alternative to evidence-based treatment.
Antipyretic medicines remain the most effective and well-studied option for reducing fever when they are used at the recommended dose. Warm water foot immersion may be used as a supportive comfort measure, but it should not be relied upon as the sole treatment, particularly if the fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. In such cases, medical advice should be sought promptly.
What can happen if a fever is left untreated?
A fever itself is not always dangerous, but a high, persistent, or untreated fever may lead to complications, particularly if the underlying cause is not addressed. Most mild fevers caused by viral infections resolve on their own. However, if the fever is very high (generally above 39°C), lasts for more than two to three days, or is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, severe headache, confusion, or dehydration, medical attention is important.
One of the most common complications of fever is dehydration, as the body loses more fluids through sweating and a faster breathing rate. In children, high fever can sometimes trigger febrile seizures, although these are usually brief and do not typically cause long-term brain damage. Persistent high fever also places additional stress on the heart and other organs, especially in older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.
It is important to remember that fever is a symptom rather than a disease. The greater concern is often the infection or illness causing the fever. Identifying and treating the underlying cause, maintaining adequate hydration through diet and water, getting sufficient rest, and using fever-reducing medicines when appropriate are key to recovery.
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician at Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, says, “Untreated fever can pose significant health risks. If a fever is high or lasts more than a couple of days, it can lead to dehydration and, in some cases, confusion or febrile seizures in young children. Fever is often a sign that something more serious may be happening in the body, so it should be monitored carefully. Seeking timely medical advice helps ensure appropriate treatment and prevents potential complications.”
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