Antipyretics are medications used to reduce fever and alleviate symptoms of high body temperature.
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Fever Treatment | Body Temperature Regulation | Symptom Relief | Fever Reducing Medications | Temperature-lowering Drugs | Antipyretic Agents
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Antipyretic FAQ


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What is an antipyretic drug?

An antipyretic is a pharmaceutical agent or a non-pharmacological agent that reduces or eliminates a fever, usually induced by some source of inflammation. What is an Antipyretic? An antipyretic is a drug or treatment that relieves or reduces fever.

What are antipyretics used for?

The antipyretics in common use today include acetaminophen, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The principal action of antipyretics rests in their ability to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) and interrupt the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins ( ).

What is the etymology of antipyretic?

The etymology of the word antipyretic comes from the Greek -anti, meaning counter to, or the opposite of, and pyretos meaning fever from pyr, meaning fire. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.

Antipyretic References

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