Fever is a natural reaction of our body that helps fight infections. But beyond a body temperature of 38.5°C, doctors recommend that it be taken care of. Antipyretics are often used for this.
From the Greek “puretos” which means fever, antipyretics are drugs capable of opposing the rise in body temperature. That is to say, to fever. Their purpose is to regulate the temperature and thus, to avoid neurological complications or dehydration…
How do they act?
Antipyretics act on the nerve centers that manage body temperature. This is the case of the hypothalamus which plays a thermoregulatory role.
If they make it possible to fight against the rise in fever, these drugs do not act specifically on its cause.
The two active ingredients most used for this purpose are paracetamol and ibuprofen.
The combination of antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities is sometimes indicated, but be careful because aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are aggressive for the stomach and should not be used in case of stomach ulcer. or duodenum.