Definition of Anti-pyretic:
It is not clear whether Anti-pyretics and Febrifuges are synonymous or subtly different [ORWJr].
Anti-pyretics and Febrifuges reduce abnormally high body-temperature, either by decreasing heat-production, or increasing heat-loss; the former condition being effected by
the latter by
- lessening tissue-change,
- reducing circulation;
E.g.: cinchona alkaloids, acetanilid, antipyrine, acetphenetidin, phenyl salicylate, phenol, creosote, aconite, veratrum viride, cold bath, pack, or sponging, purgation, venesection [Culbreth1927, pg 38].
- dilating the skin-vessels, thereby increasing radiation,
- causing perspiration and its evaporation,
- abstracting body-heat, through cold applications