Antipyretics (/ænti.paɪˈrɛ.tɪks/, from the words anti- meaning 'against' and pyretic meaning 'feverish') are substances that reduce fever.[1] Antipyretics cause the hypothalamus to ignore increases in temperature caused by prostaglandin. 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 United States are ibuprofen and aspirin. These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used mainly as analgesics to relieve pain, but which also have antipyretic properties. Acetaminophen or (paracetamol), is an analgesic with weak anti-inflammatory properties.[2]
There is some debate over using medication to control fever. Fever is part of the body's immune response to infection.[3][4] A study by the Royal Society found controlling fever causes at least 1% more influenza cases of death in the United States, which results in at least 700 extra deaths per year.[5]
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