Which medication class is used to reduce fever and inflammation?

The medication class that is used to reduce fever and inflammation is anti-inflammatories. Anti-inflammatory medications work by inhibiting the production of chemicals in the body, such as prostaglandins, which are involved in the inflammatory response. By blocking these chemicals, anti-inflammatories help to lower inflammation and, in turn, reduce fever that often accompanies inflammatory conditions.

This class includes medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, which are commonly used for their dual effect of reducing both pain and inflammation. Because they target the underlying inflammatory process, they are effective at addressing symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis, muscle injuries, and other inflammatory disorders.

Antihistamines primarily manage allergic reactions, while antibiotics are used to combat bacterial infections. Analgesics, on the other hand, primarily relieve pain but do not specifically target inflammation or fever reduction. Therefore, anti-inflammatories are the most appropriate choice when the goal is to address both fever and inflammation.