Antipyretic

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.

Ibuprofen tablets, a common antipyretic

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]