Infections
Medicines for Dengue fever
A viral infection spread by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions, causing high fever, severe aches and a rash — usually a travel-related illness that needs careful monitoring.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Dengue fever?
Dengue is a viral infection spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, common in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. In the UK it is almost always seen in returning travellers.
- How it is treated: There is no specific antiviral treatment, so care is supportive: rest, plenty of fluids, and paracetamol for fever and pain — anti-inflammatory painkillers and aspirin are avoided because of the bleeding risk.
- Self-care: When travelling in affected areas, prevent mosquito bites: use insect repellent, cover up, and use bed nets.
- When to seek help: Seek medical advice for a fever after travel to a tropical area (malaria must also be excluded).
What it is
Dengue is a viral infection spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, common in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. In the UK it is almost always seen in returning travellers. It typically causes a sudden high fever, severe headache (often behind the eyes), marked muscle and joint pains (giving it the old name "breakbone fever"), nausea and a rash. Most people recover within one to two weeks, but a small number develop a more severe form with warning signs such as worsening tummy pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding and a drop in blood pressure, which needs urgent hospital care. There is no specific cure, so recognising warning signs matters.
How it is treated
There is no specific antiviral treatment, so care is supportive: rest, plenty of fluids, and paracetamol for fever and pain — anti-inflammatory painkillers and aspirin are avoided because of the bleeding risk. Most people are managed at home with careful monitoring, but anyone with warning signs of severe dengue needs urgent hospital assessment, where fluids and monitoring are provided. Preventing mosquito bites when travelling — using repellent, covering up and using nets — is the main way to avoid dengue, and travel health advice is worthwhile before visiting affected regions.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Dengue fever
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
When travelling in affected areas, prevent mosquito bites: use insect repellent, cover up, and use bed nets. During illness, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use paracetamol (not anti-inflammatory painkillers or aspirin) for fever and pain.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Seek medical advice for a fever after travel to a tropical area (malaria must also be excluded). Seek urgent hospital care for warning signs of severe dengue: severe tummy pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, difficulty breathing, or feeling faint.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Dengue fever: frequently asked questions
How do you catch dengue?
From the bite of an infected mosquito in tropical and subtropical regions. In the UK it is almost always seen in travellers returning from affected areas.
Why should anti-inflammatory painkillers be avoided in dengue?
Because dengue can increase the risk of bleeding, anti-inflammatory painkillers and aspirin are avoided; paracetamol is used for fever and pain instead.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Dengue
- TravelHealthPro — Dengue
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.