Which is an example of antipyretic drug?

NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-1)

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is classified as a para-aminophenol derivative with potent antipyretic (fever-reducing) and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
Its primary mechanism for reducing fever involves acting on the heat-regulating center in the hypothalamus.
Unlike Aspirin, it has very weak anti-inflammatory effects, making its primary indications pain and fever.
It is often the preferred antipyretic, especially for children and patients with peptic ulcers, as it does not cause significant gastric irritation or increase bleeding risk.

Option A: Ranitidine is an H₂-receptor antagonist, which works by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach lining to reduce the production of gastric acid.
Option B: Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It irreversibly blocks the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system (the proton pump) in gastric parietal cells, which is the final step in stomach acid production.
Option D: While Aspirin does have antipyretic properties, it is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Its primary uses are for inflammation and antiplatelet effects. It is often avoided for fever in children and adolescents due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Visual 1: Chart: Comparison of Paracetamol vs. NSAIDs (Aspirin) - Highlighting their mechanisms of action, primary effects (analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet), and key side effects.
Visual 2: Diagram: The mechanism of fever production (involving prostaglandins) and how antipyretics like Paracetamol act on the hypothalamus to lower the thermoregulatory set point.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacology: Drug Classes and Actions helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses frequently administer antipyretics to manage fever in patients. It is crucial to know the correct drug, dosage, and potential side effects.
Patient education is a key nursing responsibility. This includes advising against using Aspirin for fever in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain.
What if the patient is an adult with a fever and a history of gastric ulcers? In this case, Paracetamol would be the strongly preferred antipyretic over Aspirin, as Aspirin can exacerbate gastric irritation and bleeding.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'antipyretic'. Recall its definition, which is a drug used to prevent or reduce fever.
Next, evaluate each option based on its primary drug class and mechanism of action.
Option A (Ranitidine) and B (Pantoprazole) are related to stomach acid reduction. Eliminate them as they do not act on fever pathways.
You are left with Paracetamol and Aspirin. Both can reduce fever.
Differentiate between the two. Paracetamol's primary role is as an analgesic and antipyretic. Aspirin is an NSAID with broader effects and more significant contraindications for fever (especially in children).
Select the option that is the most direct and common example of an antipyretic, which is Paracetamol.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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