Antipyretics (literally "against the fire") are drugs that reduce body temperature in situations such as fever.^[1] However, they will not affect the normal body temperature if one does not have a fever.

Antipyretics cause the hypothalamus to override an interleukin-induced increase in temperature. The body will then work to lower the temperature and the result is a reduction in fever.

Most antipyretics are also used for other purposes.^{[citation needed]} For example, the most common antipyretics in the United States are aspirin and acetaminophen (paracetamol), which are used primarily as pain relievers. NSAIDs are antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relievers. There is some debate over the appropriate use of such medications: fever is part of the body's immune response to infection.

Herbal remedies with a fever-reducing effect are called febrifuges, and include catnip, chamomile, sage, wormwood and yarrow. However, the term febrifuge can also refer to a refrigerant, such as topical alcohol, which cools the body by physically removing heat rather than modifying the body's responses.

A popular misconception is that a fever over 105°F (40.6°C) may cause permanent damage. This however is not true. It would take a body temperature over 108°F (42°C) to do this. This can only happen in extreme cases such as being locked in a closed car in the summer or suffering from heat stroke.^[2]

Some cultures such as China use dog meat or gallstones obtained from cows as antipyretic antidotes.

[edit] References

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2007)

This pharmacology-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e