Antipyretics are substances that reduce fever by causing the hypothalamus to override prostaglandin-induced temperature increases. Common over-the-counter antipyretics include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the most widely used. Antipyretics work by blocking prostaglandin production through inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes. Paracetamol is classified as an analgesic and antipyretic. Its mechanism is thought to involve central inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, though its primary site of action is debated. Side effects are rare but can

1. Antipyretics
(paracetamol)
KRVS Chaitanya

2. Antipyretics
• An antipyretic is a substance that reduces fever
(Elevated temperature).
• Antipyretics cause the hypothalamus to override a
prostaglandin-induced increase in temperature.
• The body then works to lower the temperature, which
results in a reduction in fever.

4. Which drug is an antipyretic?
• Available OTC antipyretics include acetaminophen and the
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aspirin, ibuprofen, and
naproxen.
• Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are the 2 most widely used
antipyretics

5. What are antipyretics drugs used for?
• Drugs that are used to reduce body temperature in fever.
• An analgesic drug used alone or in combination with Opioids
for pain management, and as an antipyretic agent.
• A salicylate used to treat pain, fever, inflammation,
migraines, and reducing the risk of major adverse
cardiovascular events.

6. How do NSAIDs act as antipyretics?
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are
commonly used for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and
antipyretic effects.
• NSAIDs generally work by blocking the production of
prostaglandins (PGs) through the inhibition of two
cyclooxygenase enzymes.

7. How does PARACETAMOL work
pharmacology?
• Paracetamol is termed a simple analgesic and an antipyretic.
• Despite enduring assertions that it acts by inhibition of
cyclooxygenase (COX)-mediated production of
prostaglandins, unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), paracetamol has been demonstrated not to reduce
tissue inflammation

10. What is the Pharmacodynamic of
paracetamol?
Pharmacodynamic/Mechanism of action:
• Paracetamol is a p-aminophenol derivative that exhibits
analgesic and antipyretic activity.
• It does not possess anti-inflammatory activity.
• Paracetamol is thought to produce analgesia through a
central inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.

12. What is the pharmacological classification of
paracetamol?
• Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a
medication used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain.
• Routes of administration :: Mouth, Rectal, Intravenous.
• Drug class :: Analgesics and Antipyretics

13. What is the target of paracetamol in the body?
• Paracetamol has a central analgesic effect that is mediated
through activation of descending serotonergic pathways.
• Debate exists about its primary site of action, which may be
inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis or through an
active metabolite influencing cannabinoid receptors.

14. What is the side effect of paracetamol?
Side effects from paracetamol are rare but can include:
• An allergic reaction, which can cause a rash and swelling.
• Flushing, low blood pressure and a fast heartbeat – this can
sometimes happen when paracetamol is given in hospital into a vein
in your arm.

16. Toxicity
• Hepatic
• Renal
• GI effects
• Hemodynamic changes
• Respiratory effects
• Cognitive effects
• Haematological/ oncological effects
• Dermatological effects
• Headache

17. Thank you