What are fever drugs called?: A Guide to Antipyretic Medications

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

An elevated body temperature, or fever, is a common immune response, but when it causes discomfort, medication can help. These fever drugs are called antipyretics, and they work to lower the body's temperature by affecting the temperature-regulating center of the brain.

Quick Summary

Fever-reducing medications are known as antipyretics. They work by targeting the brain's temperature-regulating center to lower body temperature. Common examples include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin.

Key Points

Antipyretics are fever-reducing drugs: These medications work by lowering the body's temperature by affecting the hypothalamus in the brain.
Acetaminophen is a common antipyretic: Known by brand names like Tylenol, it reduces fever and pain but has minimal anti-inflammatory effects.
NSAIDs also reduce fever and inflammation: This class includes drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), which offer the added benefit of reducing inflammation.
Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers: Due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition, other antipyretics are recommended for young people.
Dosing is critical to avoid overdose: Reading labels on multi-symptom products is important to avoid accidentally taking too much of an active ingredient, which can cause serious liver or kidney damage.
Simple home care can help manage fever: Resting, staying hydrated, and using cool compresses can often help with a low-grade fever without medication.
Not all fevers require medication: A fever is part of the body's immune response, and a healthcare provider may advise against treating a low-grade fever, particularly if it doesn't cause significant discomfort.

Understanding Antipyretic Drugs

A fever is a temporary increase in your body's temperature, often as a result of an infection. While a fever can be a helpful sign that your body is fighting an illness, it can also cause significant discomfort, including headaches, muscle aches, and chills. Medications designed to alleviate these symptoms and lower body temperature are known as antipyretics. The term comes from Greek roots: 'anti' meaning 'against' and 'pyretic' meaning 'feverish'.

The Mechanism Behind Fever Reduction

To understand how antipyretics work, it's necessary to know what causes a fever. During an illness, the body's immune system releases chemicals called pyrogens. These pyrogens signal the hypothalamus, the brain's thermostat, to raise the body's temperature set point. The body then works to meet this new, higher temperature, causing chills and shivering.

Antipyretic drugs operate by interrupting this process. The most common mechanism involves inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) family of enzymes. This inhibition reduces the production of prostaglandins, especially prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is responsible for signaling the hypothalamus to raise the body's temperature. By overriding this signal, the drugs cause the body's thermostat to reset to a normal temperature. The body then naturally works to lower its temperature through vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and sweating.

Major Classes of Antipyretic Medications

Antipyretics are primarily available as over-the-counter (OTC) medications and fall into several categories, each with slightly different properties and considerations.

Acetaminophen

Examples: Tylenol, Panadol.
Action: Primarily an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic. It has minimal anti-inflammatory effects in the body, distinguishing it from NSAIDs.
How it works: Acetaminophen's mechanism of action is primarily central, meaning it works within the brain to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in the hypothalamus.
Safety: Generally considered safe for most people when used as directed, but exceeding the recommended dosage can cause severe liver damage. It is often the preferred fever reducer for infants and children.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Examples: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve).
Action: NSAIDs are analgesics, antipyretics, and anti-inflammatory agents. This anti-inflammatory property is useful for fevers accompanied by inflammation, such as swelling or muscle aches.
How it works: NSAIDs inhibit COX enzymes both in the brain and throughout the body. This broader effect reduces not only fever but also inflammation at the site of injury or illness.
Safety: Can cause stomach irritation, especially with long-term or high-dose use. They should be used with caution in individuals with a history of stomach ulcers or kidney problems.

Salicylates

Examples: Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
Action: A potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic agent, though its use for fever has declined due to the availability of safer alternatives.
Safety: A major safety concern is Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition, which is why aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers recovering from viral infections.

Important Considerations for Antipyretic Use

Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends acetaminophen for infants younger than 6 months and ibuprofen for those 6 months and older.
Always follow the proper weight-based dosing instructions on the packaging or as advised by a healthcare professional.
Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Potential for Accidental Overdose

It is crucial to read labels carefully, as many multi-symptom cold and flu medications contain acetaminophen or an NSAID. Taking multiple products with the same active ingredient can lead to an overdose.
Always be aware of the maximum daily dose for any medication you are taking.

Alternating Medications

Some healthcare providers suggest alternating doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen for stubborn fevers, but others caution against it due to the risk of dosing errors. If you plan to alternate, consult your doctor for proper guidance.

Acetaminophen vs. NSAIDs: A Comparison


Feature	Acetaminophen (Tylenol)	NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
Primary Effect	Pain and fever relief	Pain, inflammation, and fever relief
Anti-Inflammatory	Minimal to no anti-inflammatory action	Potent anti-inflammatory action
Onset of Action	Similar to NSAIDs	Similar to Acetaminophen
Stomach Irritation	Low risk	Higher risk, potential for ulcers with long-term use
Kidney Effects	Potential for kidney issues with long-term, high-dose use	Potential for kidney issues with long-term, high-dose use
Usage in Children	Preferred option, safe for infants >12 weeks (with doctor approval)	Safe for children >6 months
Usage in Adults	Generally safe; preferred for those with stomach sensitivities	Effective for inflammatory pain; avoid with ulcers

Managing Fever Without Medication

In many cases, a low-grade fever does not require medication. Simple home care strategies can help manage discomfort:

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids like water, juice, or broth is crucial to prevent dehydration.
Rest: Getting adequate rest helps the body conserve energy and fight the infection.
Cool compresses: A cool compress or a lukewarm bath can help lower body temperature and provide comfort.
Light clothing: Wearing light layers of clothing can prevent the body from overheating.

Conclusion

Fever drugs are called antipyretics, and they play a vital role in managing fever-related discomfort. Common examples include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. While effective, it is essential to understand the differences between these medications, including their properties, age restrictions, and potential side effects, to ensure safe and effective use. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance on dosage, especially when treating infants, children, or individuals with pre-existing conditions. By understanding the options available, you can confidently and responsibly manage a fever and feel better sooner. For more specific medical advice, please consult your doctor.

Visit the Mayo Clinic for more information on fever treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of an antipyretic is to reduce fever by lowering the body's elevated temperature back to a normal set point.

An antipyretic reduces fever, while an analgesic relieves pain. Many drugs, like ibuprofen, are both, but some, like acetaminophen, are primarily antipyretics and analgesics with little anti-inflammatory effect.

Children and teenagers should not take aspirin for a fever due to the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition.

No, it is not safe. Many multi-symptom cold and flu products contain acetaminophen or an NSAID. Taking more than one product with the same active ingredient can lead to an accidental overdose, which can cause severe organ damage.

Antipyretics work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that tell the brain's hypothalamus to raise body temperature. By blocking this signal, the drug helps the body lower its temperature.

Some healthcare providers may suggest alternating, but it can increase the risk of dosing errors. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist for proper guidance on this practice.

Not every fever needs medication. In many cases, especially with low-grade fevers, the discomfort can be managed with rest and fluids. Treating fever with medication is often reserved for higher temperatures or when the patient is uncomfortable.