Several components are used for their antipyretic action, that is, to reduce fever. A few examples:

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen). Commonly used to reduce fever and relieve mild pain (1).
• Ibuprofen . A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces fever and relieves pain (2).
• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). In addition to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it is effective in reducing fever (3).
• Diclofenac sodium, used to reduce fever, especially in cases of inflammation (4).

Components or factors that can contribute to or exacerbate fever. A few examples:

• Bacterial or viral infections. These are the most common causes of fever, as the body raises its temperature to fight the infection.
• Inflammations. Inflammatory processes can trigger fever as an immune response.
• Vaccinations. Can cause a temporary fever as a reaction of the immune system.
• Autoimmune diseases. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause fever due to chronic inflammation.
• Dehydration. Can disrupt the body's temperature regulation and lead to fever.
• Heat or cold overload. Exposure to high ambient temperatures or excessive temperature differences can cause fever.

The reports  provided on Tiiips website are for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Tan E, Braithwaite I, McKinlay CJD, Dalziel SR. Comparison of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) With Ibuprofen for Treatment of Fever or Pain in Children Younger Than 2 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2020 Oct 1;3(10):e2022398. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22398. PMID: 33125495; PMCID: PMC7599455.

Abstract. Importance: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen are the most widely prescribed and available over-the-counter medications for management of fever and pain in children. Despite the common use of these medications, treatment recommendations for young children remain divergent. Objective: To compare acetaminophen with ibuprofen for the short-term treatment of fever or pain in children younger than 2 years....Conclusions and relevance: In this study, use of ibuprofen vs acetaminophen for the treatment of fever or pain in children younger than 2 years was associated with reduced temperature and less pain within the first 24 hours of treatment, with equivalent safety.

(2) Rainsford KD. Ibuprofen: pharmacology, efficacy and safety. Inflammopharmacology. 2009 Dec;17(6):275-342. doi: 10.1007/s10787-009-0016-x. Epub 2009 Nov 21. 

Abstract. Objectives: This review attempts to bring together information from a large number of recent studies on the clinical uses, safety and pharmacological properties of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is widely used in many countries for the relief of symptoms of pain, inflammation and fever. The evidence for modes of action of ibuprofen are considered in relation to its actions in controlling inflammation, pain and fever, as well as the adverse effects of the drug....Conclusions: This assessment of the safety and benefits of ibuprofen can be summarized thus: (1) Ibuprofen at OTC doses has low possibilities of serious GI events, and little prospect of developing renal and associated CV events. Ibuprofen OTC does not represent a risk for developing liver injury especially the irreversible liver damage observed with paracetamol and the occasional liver reactions from aspirin. (2) The pharmacokinetic properties of ibuprofen, especially the short plasma half-life of elimination, lack of development of pathologically related metabolites (e.g. covalent modification of liver proteins by the quinine-imine metabolite of paracetamol or irreversible acetylation of biomolecules by aspirin) are support for the view that these pharmacokinetic and notably metabolic effects of ibuprofen favour its low toxic potential. (3) The multiple actions of ibuprofen in controlling inflammation combine with moderate inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 and low residence time of the drug in the body may account for the low GI, CV and renal risks from ibuprofen, especially at OTC doses.

(3) Lanas A, McCarthy D, Voelker M, Brueckner A, Senn S, Baron JA. Short-term acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) use for pain, fever, or colds - gastrointestinal adverse effects: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Drugs R D. 2011 Sep 1;11(3):277-88. doi: 10.2165/11593880-000000000-00000. 

Abstract. Background and aim: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA [aspirin]) is a commonly used over-the-counter drug for the treatment of pain, fever, or colds, but data on the safety of this use are very limited. The aim of this study was to provide data on the safety of this treatment pattern, which is of interest to clinicians, regulators, and the public.....Conclusion: Short-term, mostly single-dose exposure to ASA for the treatment of pain, fever, or colds was associated with a small but significant increase in the risk of dyspepsia relative to placebo. No serious GI complications were reported.

(4) Bettini R, Grossi E, Rapazzini P, Giardina G. Diclofenac sodium versus acetylsalicylic acid: a randomized study in febrile patients. J Int Med Res. 1986;14(2):95-100. doi: 10.1177/030006058601400208. 

Abstract. One hundred and twenty adult patients with high temperatures (greater than or equal to 38 degrees C) brought about by influenza viruses or other conditions were randomly treated with two different antipyretics: a) a 25 mg sodium diclofenac tablet (Novapirina) every 12 hours for 2 consecutive days; b) a 500 mg tablet of acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) every 8 hours for 2 consecutive days. Antipyretic action (assessed at 6 hours following the first administration) was found to be equally rapid and consistent in both cases but significantly longer-lasting in the Novapirina-treated group than the Aspirin-treated group (p less than 0.01). Mean temperature changes over the 48 hours of observation and the over-all judgement on the antipyretic effect expressed at the end of each day of treatment were similar for both groups and good in all cases. The antiphlogistic-painkilling properties of both drugs were found to be effective in improving the symptomatology accompanying the high temperature during the course of the bout of influenza. The effectiveness/tolerability ratio was found to be satisfactory for both groups: only one case of gastric intolerance to Novapirina was recorded and five cases of gastric intolerance to Aspirin.