Do antipyretics kill white blood cells?
Sep 04, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, antipyretic drugs may cause a decrease in white blood cells, but they do not directly kill white blood cells. Antipyretics exert their fever-reducing effects, and as the drug enters the body, it can cause denaturation of white blood cells. The body then recognizes these denatured white blood cells as foreign substances and produces anti-white blood cell substances that destroy them; these substances are known as anti-leukocyte antibodies. Patients are advised to use medications strictly according to medical instructions.
In general, antipyretic drugs may cause a decrease in white blood cells, but they do not directly kill white blood cells. The specific analysis is as follows:
Antipyretic drugs have fever-reducing effects. As the drug enters the body, white blood cells may undergo denaturation. The body then recognizes these denatured white blood cells as foreign substances and produces anti-white blood cell substances—known as anti-leukocyte antibodies—to destroy them. If antipyretic drugs are taken repeatedly, these anti-leukocyte antibodies can react with normal white blood cells, triggering an immune response that damages white blood cells, leading to a reduced white blood cell count. This weakens the overall defensive capability of white blood cells, although it does not directly kill them.
After taking antipyretic medication, the synthesis of prostaglandins in the hypothalamus is inhibited by suppressing prostaglandin synthase, thereby reducing central prostaglandin production and release. This blocks pyrogens from elevating the body's temperature set point. Additionally, heat dissipation increases through mechanisms such as skin vasodilation, increased cutaneous blood flow, and enhanced sweating, which collectively lower body temperature. Commonly used clinical medications include ibuprofen sustained-release capsules and acetaminophen tablets.
Patients are advised to use medications strictly as prescribed. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention should be sought, and treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a physician to facilitate recovery.
