What is antipyretic?
Antipyretic action is intended for febrile patients with any underlying infection. Many conventional drugs are widely used, especially paracetamol, to cater to fever. Herbs are also available that have been in for centuries to reduce the severity of fever by making use of different mechanisms.
The antipyretic herbs work by either reversing or blocking the core rise in temperature by inhibiting the cytokine-mediated pathways. These herbs are different from cryogens (hypothermic herbs) in a way that they do not lower the core temperature in the absence of fever.
What are the benefits of antipyretic action
Antipyretic action helps in reducing the fever which in turn accounts for the following:
- Patient comfort
- Reduced insensible fluid loss
- Enhanced oral intake
- Decreased risk of febrile seizures
- Better evaluation of the illness.