Dengue is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half of the global population is at risk, with an estimated 100 to 400 million infections occurring each year. With dengue being so common, we recently held a panel discussion to talk about prevention, precautions, treatment, and medication. A major focus of the discussion was the role of medicines, what to take, what to avoid, and how to manage symptoms safely. But what medicine should you consume and which one is more safe to take?What Medicines Are Safe During Dengue?During the panel, Padma Shri awardee Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Chairman of Nephron Clinic and Senior Consultant Paediatrician, highlighted that paracetamol is the only safe option for dengue patients. He said, “Paracetamol is the only recommended treatment. Avoid medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, or niacinamide, as these can worsen the condition and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking them is a sure ticket to the hospital.”This advice is backed by government regulations as well. In July 2025, the Delhi government’s Department of Drugs Control instructed pharmacists not to sell nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen without a doctor’s prescription. NSAIDs interfere with platelet function, which can be particularly dangerous for dengue and other vector-borne illnesses like chikungunya.Why Aspirin and Ibuprofen Can Be Dangerous?NSAIDs are commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down high fever. They are often taken for headaches, muscle aches, sprains, or menstrual cramps, symptoms that may appear during dengue.Therefore, people often prefer to take them during dengue fever as well. Aspirin, for example, reduces fever and pain at high doses and prevents platelet aggregation at lower doses. But in dengue patients, this antiplatelet effect can trigger uncontrolled bleeding, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, making the illness far more severe.Ibuprofen, while slightly less potent in affecting platelets, still carries a similar risk. Any medicine that interferes with clotting can turn a mild dengue infection into a serious medical emergency. This is why avoiding NSAIDs during dengue is strongly advised.How Is Dengue Treated?There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Recovery mostly depends on complete bed rest and symptom management. Drinking plenty of fluids is important, as it helps the body cope with fever and prevents dehydration. As Dr Bagai said, taking paracetamol is also suggested.For severe cases, hospital care is necessary. This could include intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, monitoring blood pressure, and blood transfusions if there is significant blood loss or a dangerously low platelet count. However, Dr Bagai emphasized that hydration is as important as medicine. Fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or electrolyte drinks support recovery and help prevent complications.Dengue is a serious but manageable illness when handled correctly. The key takeaways are clear: stick to paracetamol for pain and fever, avoid NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen, and maintain proper hydration. Following these guidelines can help patients recover safely.
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