An anti-pyretic is any pharmaceutical used for the purpose of lowering the body temperature of a person with a fever. Anti-pyretics work by suppressing interleukin, the hormone that directs the hypothalmus to raise body temperature. However, in most cases, physicians will use physical means, such as cooling blankets and ice to treat severe fever. Other pharmaceuticals used as anti-pyretics are metamizole, nabumetone, nimesulide, phenazone and quinine.