Medicines used for viral infection treatment, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or metoclopramide, can help relieve symptoms like fever, muscle pain, nausea or general discomfort. These medicines do not cure the viral infection itself, but they can help make symptoms easier to manage.

Viral infections are caused by viruses, such as the flu, common cold or viral gastroenteritis. These illnesses are usually self-limited, which means the immune system typically fights the virus on its own, and symptoms often improve within 3 to 10 days.

Medicines for viral infection treatment should be recommended by a general practitioner, infectious disease specialist or pediatrician. They should be used along with rest, adequate oral hydration and light meals.

Pharmacy medicine

The main medicines used for viral infection treatment are:

1. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that can help relieve headaches, muscle pain or general discomfort caused by viral infections, such as the flu or common cold.

This medicine also helps reduce fever in adults and children by lowering the production of specific substances in the body that are involved in causing fever.

Acetaminophen should not be used by people with liver problems, such as liver failure, or by people who drink alcohol heavily or regularly.

2. Naproxen

Naproxen is another medicine with pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects. It may be recommended to reduce fever and relieve general discomfort and body aches caused by viral infections, such as the flu or common cold.

This medicine is available as tablets, caplets or liquid-filled capsules, and should only be used as directed by a doctor.

Naproxen should not be used by people who have had allergic reactions to naproxen or other medicines used for fever or pain, such as acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, diclofenac, ibuprofen or indomethacin.

This medicine may also not be appropriate for people with stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disease, severe heart disease, bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners, unless recommended by a doctor.

3. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that may be recommended to relieve symptoms of viral infections, such as muscle pain, fever, headache, general discomfort or sore throat. These symptoms can occur with the common cold or flu.

This medicine is available as drops, tablets, softgels or an oral suspension, and should be used as directed by a doctor.

Ibuprofen should not be used in cases of dengue, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or liver, kidney or heart failure. It should also not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by children under 6 months old.

Ibuprofen use in children under 2 years old should only be done under the guidance of a pediatrician.

4. Acetylsalicylic acid

Acetylsalicylic acid is another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that may be recommended to reduce fever and relieve body aches caused by viral infections, such as the flu or common cold.

This medicine is available as tablets under brand names such as Aspirin.

Acetylsalicylic acid should not be used by people with dengue, a tendency to bleed, stomach or intestinal ulcers, asthma, severe kidney, liver or heart failure, or by people taking oral anticoagulants.

It should also not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by a doctor. In children under 12 years old, acetylsalicylic acid should only be used if recommended by a pediatrician.

5. Oral rehydration solutions

Oral rehydration solutions help replace fluids and minerals lost due to acute diarrhea or vomiting caused by viral infections, such as gastroenteritis. This helps prevent dehydration.

Examples of solutions that may be recommended for oral rehydration include Pedialyte and other oral electrolyte solutions.

Homemade oral rehydration solution may also be an option for oral rehydration when prepared correctly.

In cases of severe dehydration, a doctor may recommend hospital admission so that fluids can be given through a vein.

6. Probiotics

Probiotics may also be recommended in cases of gastroenteritis, as they can help restore balance to the gut microbiota and may help relieve diarrhea caused by viral infections.

Some examples of probiotics include products containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Saccharomyces boulardii.

It is important to note that probiotics for acute diarrhea should be used together with oral rehydration salts, according to medical advice.

7. Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is an antiemetic that may be recommended to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by viral infections. It usually starts working quickly, about 30 to 60 minutes after being taken by mouth.

This medicine is available as tablets, drops or an oral solution, and should only be used with medical advice.

Metoclopramide should not be used by children under 1 year old, or by people with gastrointestinal bleeding, mechanical obstruction or gastrointestinal perforation, epilepsy, pheochromocytoma, Parkinson’s disease or a movement disorder.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, metoclopramide should only be used if recommended by a doctor.

8. Pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that may be recommended to relieve a stuffy or runny nose caused by the flu or common cold.

This medicine is available as tablets, capsules, syrup or oral liquid forms.

Pseudoephedrine is often combined with other active ingredients, such as acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine maleate or brompheniramine maleate.

9. Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is an expectorant used for cough with phlegm caused by the flu or common cold.

This medicine helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear.

Guaifenesin syrups are available in different strengths, including formulas for children and adults.

10. Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu, is recommended for treating flu caused by influenza A and B viruses, including influenza A H1N1, in adults and children.

This medicine, as well as zanamivir, has specific activity against these viruses and should only be used if recommended by a doctor.

It is important to note that oseltamivir does not replace the flu vaccine.

11. Zanamivir

Zanamivir, sold under the brand name Relenza, is an antiviral recommended for the treatment and prevention of flu caused by influenza A and B viruses. It can help reduce how long symptoms last.

This medicine is available as an oral inhalation powder and can be used by adults and children according to medical advice.

For flu treatment, zanamivir is usually recommended within 48 hours after symptoms begin.

12. Supportive care for viral gastroenteritis

For viral gastroenteritis caused by viruses such as rotavirus or norovirus, treatment is mainly supportive. This usually includes oral rehydration solutions, rest and light meals.

There is no routine FDA-approved antiviral medicine specifically used to cure common viral gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus or norovirus. Medicines for nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should only be used if recommended by a doctor, especially in children, older adults, pregnant people or those at higher risk of dehydration.

Medicines for viral infections in children

Medicines for viral infections in children include acetaminophen, such as infants’ or children’s Tylenol, and ibuprofen, such as children’s Advil or Motrin. These medicines can help relieve symptoms such as fever, muscle pain and general discomfort.

These medicines should only be taken as recommended by a pediatrician, who should calculate the dose based on the child’s age and body weight.

Pediatric oral rehydration solutions may also be recommended by a pediatrician to help prevent dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea.

It is important to take a child or baby to the pediatrician whenever symptoms of a viral infection occur, as the immune system is not yet fully mature. This allows for a detailed evaluation and, if needed, the recommendation of medicines to relieve symptoms.

Medicines for viral infections during pregnancy

The medicine most commonly recommended to relieve symptoms of a viral infection during pregnancy is acetaminophen, which is considered to have the lowest risk for the baby.

However, it should be taken at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest possible time.

Another medicine that may be recommended by an obstetrician to treat influenza A H1N1 during pregnancy is oseltamivir, which can help prevent complications for the pregnant person and the baby.

This medicine should only be used with medical advice, after the benefits of treatment for the pregnant person and the potential risks for the baby have been evaluated.

When to see a doctor

It is important to consult a general practitioner in the following cases:

High fever;
Fever for more than 24 hours with vomiting;
Severe vomiting or diarrhea;
Bloody diarrhea;
Difficulty breathing;
Symptoms of dehydration.

Babies, children, older adults, pregnant people and people with chronic diseases should always be evaluated by a doctor, as they have a higher risk of dehydration or complications.