Antifebrile, pronounced /ˌæntiˈfiːbraɪl/ , is a medical term used to describe a substance or medication that reduces fever. The word consists of four syllables, with the stress on the second syllable -fi-. The prefix "anti-" suggests that the substance is against fever. The root word "febrile" comes from Latin "febris" meaning "fever". Therefore, "antifebrile" means a substance that counteracts or opposes the symptoms of fever. This term is frequently used in medical settings to describe medications or treatments that reduce high body temperature caused by infections or other medical conditions.
Antifebrile refers to a substance or medication that is used to alleviate or reduce fever and its associated symptoms. The term is derived from the Latin words "anti" meaning against and "febris" meaning fever.
Antifebriles work by acting on the body's thermoregulatory system to lower elevated body temperature. They function either by blocking the release of fever-inducing substances (pyrogens) or by directly reducing the body's temperature.
Common antifebrile medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which inhibit the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are responsible for promoting inflammation and fever. By blocking their synthesis, antifebriles help to reduce fever, headache, muscle aches, and other symptoms associated with an elevated body temperature.
Antifebriles are widely used in the treatment of various conditions accompanied by fever, including infections, such as the common cold or flu, as well as inflammatory disorders. They provide symptomatic relief, targeting the root cause of fever, rather than treating the underlying condition itself.
It is important to use antifebriles under appropriate supervision and adhere to recommended dosages, as they may have potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, or liver toxicity. Additionally, antifebriles are contraindicated or require caution in specific populations, such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Therefore, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional before utilizing antifebrile medication.
Antipyretic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "antifebrile" comes from the combination of two roots: "anti-" and "febrile".
1. "Anti-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "anti" (ἀντι), which means "against" or "opposite". It is commonly used in English to denote opposition or negation of something.
2. "Febrile" is an adjective that originated from the Latin word "febris", which means "fever". "Febrile" is used to describe something related to or characterized by fever.
By combining these two roots, "antifebrile" is formed, conveying a substance or treatment that opposes or counteracts fever.