What is the function of antipyretics?

Antipyretics are medications specifically designed to reduce fever. They work by acting on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates temperature. When the body experiences an infection or inflammation, the hypothalamus raises the body temperature as a defense mechanism, leading to fever. Antipyretics lower this elevated body temperature while allowing the body to continue fighting off illness. Common examples of antipyretics include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

The options related to increasing fever, relieving pain, or inducing vomiting do not align with the primary action of antipyretics. While some antipyretics may also provide pain relief, their defining function is to target and reduce fever specifically.