Antipyretic

Definition: 
Something that reduces fever or quells it. There are 3 classes of antipyretic medications that are sold OTC (over-the-counter) without prescription: Salicylates -- aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Arthriten), and sodium salicylate (Scot-Tussin Original); Acetaminophen (Tylenol); and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and ketoprofen. From anti-, against + the Greek pyretos, fever from pyr, fire. The same root gives rise to pyrexia, a medical term for fever.
Term Type: