An antipyretic is a substance that reduces fever by causing the hypothalamus to override a prostaglandin-induced increase in temperature, which then results in a reduction in fever
. There are three main classes of antipyretic medications that are sold over- the-counter (OTC) without a prescription
:
- Salicylates : Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Arthriten), and sodium salicylate (Scot-Tussin Original) are examples of salicylate-based antipyretics
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) : This is an analgesic drug used alone or in combination with opioids for pain relief and as an antipyretic agent
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) : Ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and ketoprofen are examples of NSAIDs that have antipyretic properties
Antipyretics work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase and reducing proinflammatory mediators, enhancing anti-inflammatory signals at sites of injury, or boosting antipyretic messages within the brain
. They have been widely used since the late 19th century, but the mechanisms by which they relieve fever have only been characterized in the last few decades
. Most antipyretic medications have other purposes, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
