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Antipyretics are drugs used to reduce fever caused by infections. Over-the-counter options include NSAIDs, aspirin, and acetaminophen. They work by canceling out the message sent by interleukin to raise body temperature. It’s important to follow recommended doses and consult a doctor, especially when treating infants and young children.
Antipyretics refer to various types of medications that can be used primarily to reduce fever in people with abnormally high body temperatures, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. There are many of these drugs that people may be very familiar with. Widely available over-the-counter types include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, salicylic acid or aspirin, and acetaminophen/acetaminophen. All of these medications can be used to bring down a fever and there are other medications that may be tried if these don’t work.
One of the distinctive parts of the definition of antipyretics is that they are drugs that lower body temperature only when a fever is present. This is why the over-the-counter medications listed above are applicable as a use for other things such as treating inflammation, pain, or in the case of salicylates, daily treatment for stroke prevention. Fever reducers may not be particularly effective for other treatments if they always lower body temperature. Using them could mean lowering your body temperature below safe levels.
The reason these drugs typically only work on the temperature when asked has to do with how the body responds to infections. When an infection of any kind occurs, the body can begin to reduce a substance called interleukin, which sends a message to the hypothalamus to raise the temperature. Antipyretics essentially cancel out this message, and the hypothalamus responds by lowering the temperature to normal.
In metaphor, it is as if the interleukin and the antipyretic were two roommates who disagree on the temperature of the house, since the infection has come to visit us. Interleukin is constantly trying to turn up the thermostat. The antipyretic continues to reduce it. Note that this battle can go on for a while, until the Infection goes away.
It is often necessary for people to continue taking antipyretics for a few days or more to keep the fever from returning. Other medications such as antibiotics could also be helpful in bacterial infections, as they can help reduce the infection and reduce the release of interleukin. On the other hand, some viral infections go away quickly, and people may only need a single dose of antipyretics to regulate their temperature.
There are many potential forms that antipyretics could take, even in over-the-counter types. They may be available in the form of pills, chewable tablets, fast-dissolving strips, or liquids. Many people may take suppository types of medications, and this is especially helpful when controlling the fever of someone who is vomiting.
There are some general things to remember about common antipyretics. Aspirin should never be used in children unless prescribed. Acetaminophen/paracetamol is usually contraindicated in patients with liver disease. Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs may need to be avoided by people with an allergy to NSAIDs or who take any form of blood thinner. More antipyretics are not better; there can be dangerous consequences when people exceed the recommended dose.
Others are also concerned with when they should treat a fever with fever reducers. This is typically a better question for doctors, especially when treating infants and young children who may have very high fevers. A balance must be struck between the benefits of the infection fighting fever and the risks and comfort level of the person being treated. Consider having a chat with a doctor or calling the office to ask what guidelines they recommend for people of different ages. This may help determine to what extent antipyretics should be considered useful for treating fever.
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