Which category of drugs is used to treat fever?

Antipyretics are the category of drugs specifically designed to reduce fever. They work by acting primarily on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. By influencing the body's temperature set point, antipyretics help to lower elevated temperatures resulting from various factors, such as infections or inflammation. Common examples of antipyretics include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Understanding the function of antipyretics is essential for effectively managing fever, distinguishing them from other drug categories. For instance, corticosteroids primarily reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses, but they do not specifically target fever. Antihistamines are typically used for allergic reactions and conditions related to histamine release, while antiemetics are focused on alleviating nausea and vomiting. Thus, the specific action of antipyretics on the fever response makes them the appropriate choice for treating elevated body temperature.