Qu.1 Anti-pyretics are a type of medication used to prevent or reduce fever by lowering the body temperature from a raised state (Antipyretics, 2004). They will not affect the normal body temperature if the patient does not have a fever. Fever (pyrexia) usually results from bacteria or viruses triggering the body's defense mechanisms, which activates certain types of cells which release interleukin. Interleukin affects the hypothalamus, signaling it to raise the body temperature. Prostaglandins are produced by the central nervous system in response to bacterial pyrogens to raise the body temperature. Most non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthetase within the hypothalamus. Thus, NSAIDS such as Advil will reduce fever.
Anti-inflammatories fall into two main groups: steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) (Anti-inflammatories, 2004). Steroids occur naturally in the body in small amounts and are powerful anti-inflammatories (Steroids). However, taken as medication they also have a lot of undesirable side effects including: weight gain, increased appetite, raised blood glucose, mood changes, stomach irritation, skin thinning, muscle wasting and bone thinning. NSAIDS work by preventing prostaglandin production, and so stop swelling after an injury and reduce pain (Anti-inflammatories). They are usually combined with a pain killer such as aspirin (e.g. Anadin) or ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen). NSAIDS are used to relieve headaches, menstrual pain, toothache, back pain, joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and to relieve the swelling and pain from sprains and strains. The most common side effects from long-term used of NSAIDS is stomach irritation. They can also worsen some kidney disorders and dehydration.
Antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases. An antibiotic is a chemical substance produced by microorganisms which has the capacity to ...