Toxicities of Drugs Used in the Management of Fever

Abstract

Fever is frequently managed outside the purview of medical professionals, and antipyretic therapy, on the whole, is generally considered safe. However, each of the drugs used in the management of fever has significant toxicities. The purpose of this review is to examine the relative safety of such agents with a focus on the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. Toxicity to the gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic systems are considered; the comparative safety profile of acetaminophen and ibuprofen as antipyretics are highlighted; and specific recommendations to improve the safe use of these therapies are advanced.