Knowra Antipyretic Antipyretic An antipyretic is a medicine that lowers an elevated body temperature, usually by reducing the elevated hypothalamic temperature set point associated with fever.
Fever : A regulated rise in body temperature caused by an elevated hypothalamic temperature set point. Antipyretics lower the elevated temperature set point that sustains fever.
Paracetamol : A widely used analgesic and antipyretic also known as acetaminophen. It is a common fever treatment, especially when aspirin is unsuitable.
Hyperthermia : A rise in body temperature that is not caused by an elevated hypothalamic set point. Antipyretics target fever regulation and usually do not correct hyperthermia.
Reye syndrome : A rare, serious illness causing brain and liver swelling, associated with aspirin use during certain viral illnesses in children. This risk underlies guidance against giving aspirin to children with viral infections.
Prostaglandin E2 : A lipid signaling molecule that mediates inflammation and helps raise the hypothalamic temperature set point during fever. Reducing its production is a central way several antipyretics lower fever.
Ibuprofen : A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. It lowers fever while also treating associated pain and inflammation.
Physical cooling : The reduction of body temperature through external methods such as cooling blankets or water. Unlike antipyretics, physical cooling removes heat without changing the fever set point.
Paracetamol poisoning : Liver injury caused by taking a toxic amount of paracetamol, also called acetaminophen. Overdose can cause severe liver damage despite the medicine's common use for fever.
Cyclooxygenase : An enzyme family that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandin precursors. Many antipyretics inhibit these enzymes, reducing fever-promoting prostaglandins.
Aspirin : A salicylate drug used for pain, fever, inflammation, and prevention of some cardiovascular events. It reduces fever but is generally avoided in children with viral illnesses.
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