An antipyretic (/ˌæntipaɪˈrɛtɪk/, from anti- 'against' and pyretic 'feverish') is a substance that reduces fever.[1] Antipyretics cause the hypothalamus to override a prostaglandin-induced increase in temperature.[citation needed] The body then works to lower the temperature, which results in a reduction in fever.
Most antipyretic medications have other purposes. The most common antipyretics in the US are usually ibuprofen and aspirin, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used primarily as anti-inflammatories and analgesics (pain relievers), but which also have antipyretic properties; and paracetamol (acetaminophen), an analgesic without anti-inflammatory properties.[2]
There is some debate over the appropriate use of such medications, since fever is part of the body's immune response to infection.[3][4] A study published by the Royal Society claims that fever suppression causes at least 1% more influenza deaths in the United States, or 700 extra deaths per year.[5]
- ^ "Definition of antipyretic". Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved 2007-12-19.
- ^ "Acetaminophen", PubChem, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Modified 2016-08-07, accessed 2016-08-16.
- ^ "Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever". Mayo Clinic. Archived from the original on 2013-11-15.
- ^ "Fever". MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
- ^ Kupferschmidt, Kai (2014-01-21). "Fight the Flu, Hurt Society?". Science. Archived from the original on 2023-02-12.