Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Antipyretic
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Antipyretic: 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.