Antipyretic

An antipyretic (/ˌæntipaɪˈrɛtɪk/, from anti- 'against' and pyretic 'feverish') is a substance that reduces fever.^[1] Antipyretics cause the hypothalamus to override a prostaglandin-induced increase in temperature.^{[citation needed]} The body then works to lower the temperature, which results in a reduction in fever.

Most antipyretic medications have other purposes. The most common antipyretics in the US are usually ibuprofen and aspirin, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used primarily as anti-inflammatories and analgesics (pain relievers), but which also have antipyretic properties; and paracetamol (acetaminophen), an analgesic without anti-inflammatory properties.^[2]

There is some debate over the appropriate use of such medications, since fever is part of the body's immune response to infection.^[3][4] A study published by the Royal Society claims that fever suppression causes at least 1% more influenza deaths in the United States, or 700 extra deaths per year.^[5]