Antipyretics: what they are and what they are used for

By Cristiano Antonino On Oct 16, 2022

Antipyretics are medicines used to reduce body temperature in the event of fever. How? By stimulating thermodispersion mechanisms such as sweating

The action of antipyretics occurs at the level of the hypothalamus, where the nerve centres that regulate the balance between the production and dispersion of body heat (thermoregulation) are located.

If these mechanisms are altered by fever states, antipyretics are able to bring the situation back to normal and generally also have a broad-spectrum analgesic action.

Antipyretics: what and what they are

So-called anti-pyretic (‘fever-reducing’) drugs include a wide range of medicines:

– Paracetamol, certainly the best known; it is an active ingredient indicated in the symptomatic treatment of fever, influenza, exanthematous diseases (characterised by a rash associated with fever, such as measles, rubella, chickenpox), and respiratory tract affections.

Paracetamol combines an antipyretic effect with an effective pain-relieving activity in cases of headaches, neuralgia, menstrual pain and so on.

Paracetamol is well tolerated in the stomach (compared to most anti-inflammatory drugs on the market) and is therefore widely used with young children, not least because it has an extremely low risk of interaction with other drugs.

– Ibuprofen, an active anti-fever and analgesic ingredient that has a mild anti-inflammatory action. Ibuprofen therefore has a wider range of application but also a few more side effects than paracetamol: gastric problems or asthma are the major risks. It should not be taken on an empty stomach.

– Acetylsalicylic acid, a broad-spectrum active ingredient suggested in the treatment of flu and cold syndromes but also to treat headaches and toothaches, neuralgia, menstrual pain, rheumatic and muscular pains. Acetylsalicylic acid should not be used (or should only be taken on medical advice) if one is taking anticoagulants or has coagulation problems and hyperthyroidism.

Other drugs that have an antipyretic effect are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as nimesulide, niflumic acid, naproxen, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen.

Side effects of antipyretics

Antipyretics also have side effects that, of course, vary depending on the type of drug taken, the dosage and the individual’s own characteristics.

For example, paracetamol is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, in patients with severe haemolytic anaemia or severe hepatocellular insufficiency.

Its most common side effects are:

Abdominal pain;
Diarrhoea;
Skin rushes (erythema, urticaria);
Lowering of blood pressure.
Acetylsalicylic acid: related disorders

In the case of acetylsalicylic acid, however, it is worth remembering that it is not recommended for children under 14 years of age (unless prescribed by a doctor) and contraindicated in the event of hypersensitivity to salicylates or NSAIDs.

The most common side effects include:

Gastrointestinal disorders (gastritis, nausea and vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer);
Tinnitus, dizziness and buzzing;
Skin rashes;
Tachycardia.

Side effects of ibuprofen

Taking ibuprofen can also lead to various complaints of varying type and intensity; the main ones include:

Gastrointestinal problems (flatulence, dyspepsia, peptic ulcer);
Asthma;
Purpura;
Drowsiness and dizziness;
Palpitations.

Undesirable effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The class of pure non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs involve a variety of complaints, including:

Palpitations or tachycardia;
Increased blood pressure;
Dizziness or drowsiness;
Difficulty concentrating;
Skin rashes;
Gastrointestinal disorders (peptic or gastric ulcer, intestinal bleeding and haemorrhages, inflammation of the intestines).

When to take antipyretics

Taking antipyretic drugs is recommended when normal body temperatures are exceeded: i.e. in cases of fever.

There is, however, a tendency to abuse antipyretics, and to take these drugs even in the case of different symptoms, forgetting among other things that fever is often a defence mechanism of our organism which, although annoying, aims to fight infections by stimulating the immune system’s response against pathogens.

It is therefore always important to consult your doctor before taking even mild medication to assess its necessity and usefulness on a case-by-case basis.

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