Dengue Fever in Pakistan: Safe Medicines, Warning Signs and Home Care
Every year after the monsoon, dengue cases rise in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi and many other cities, usually peaking between September and November. Most people recover at home with rest and fluids, but a small number develop severe dengue, and the medicines you choose in the first few days matter. This guide is prepared by the Medicine Online pharmacy team under the medical oversight of Dr. Farhan Rashid Abbasi and is general information, not a diagnosis.
How dengue usually starts
- Sudden high fever, often 39–40 °C
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Body, joint and muscle pain (the reason it is called "bone-break fever")
- Nausea, loss of appetite and sometimes a rash
A blood test (NS1 antigen in the first days, and a CBC to follow platelets) confirms it. If you have these symptoms during dengue season, see a doctor and get tested rather than guessing.
Which fever medicine is safe
Paracetamol is the fever and pain medicine recommended for suspected dengue. Options include Panadol tablets for adults, and Calpol suspension, Panadol Forte suspension or Panadol drops for children. Follow the dose on the pack or from your doctor, and do not exceed the daily maximum: too much paracetamol harms the liver.
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, mefenamic acid and other NSAID painkillers unless a doctor has ruled out dengue. They can increase the risk of bleeding when platelets are low. Many combination cold and flu products contain these, so read the label.
Fluids matter most
Dehydration is what makes dengue dangerous. Drink plenty of water, soups, fresh juices and oral rehydration solution such as Peditral, Peditral sachets or ORS sachets. A useful check: an adult should pass urine at least every 4–6 hours.
Warning signs: go to hospital straight away
The riskiest time is often when the fever starts to come down, around day 3 to day 7. Go to the emergency department if there is:
- Severe or constant stomach pain
- Repeated vomiting, or being unable to keep fluids down
- Bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stools, or black stools
- Unusual drowsiness, restlessness or confusion
- Fast breathing, cold or clammy skin
- Very little or no urine for 6 hours or more
Preventing mosquito bites
The Aedes mosquito that spreads dengue bites mostly during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon.
- Use repellent on exposed skin, such as mosquito repellent spray or repellent wipes for children's outings.
- Wear full sleeves and long trousers, and use nets for babies and anyone napping in the day.
- Empty standing water every week: flower pots, coolers, tyres, water tanks without lids and AC trays.
A simple dengue-season kit
- A digital thermometer
- Paracetamol for adults and children (see the pain relief and cough, cold and flu categories)
- ORS sachets or ready-to-drink rehydration solution
- Mosquito repellent
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Panadol for dengue?
Yes. Paracetamol (Panadol, Calpol) is the recommended medicine for fever and pain in dengue. Stay within the daily limit on the pack.
Why should I avoid ibuprofen or Brufen in dengue?
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs affect platelets and the stomach lining, which can increase bleeding when dengue lowers your platelet count.
Do papaya leaf juice or other home remedies raise platelets?
Some small studies suggest papaya leaf extract may help platelet counts, but the evidence is limited. It does not replace fluids, monitoring and medical care.
Is there a dengue vaccine in Pakistan?
Dengue vaccines are approved in some countries, but they are not part of Pakistan's routine programme. Ask your doctor about current availability.
Related guides: Home first-aid kit checklist · Vitamin D deficiency in Pakistan
Medically reviewed under the oversight of Dr. Farhan Rashid Abbasi. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.
