What does "antipyretic" mean?

"Antipyretic" refers to a medication that reduces fever. The term itself is derived from the prefix "anti-" meaning against, and "pyretic," which relates to fever. Therefore, antipyretics are specifically designed to lower elevated body temperatures that occur during fever, which is often a response to infection, illness, or inflammation. Common antipyretic medications include acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which are frequently used to alleviate fever symptoms in various patient populations. Understanding this term is crucial for recognizing and effectively managing fever as part of patient care.