Antipyrine
Antipyrine is an analgesic and antipyretic medication classified under ATC code N02 (analgesics). It has been used for the relief of pain and fever, and is also available in topical formulations for ear-related conditions. As one of the older synthetic analgesics, it works to reduce pain and fever symptoms in patients who require these therapeutic effects.
Antipyrine is a pain-relieving and fever-reducing medication used to treat various painful conditions and fever.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- n02bb02
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Antipyrine
- Class
- atc-n02
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 12
- Onset (min)
- 5
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- otic
- Forms
- ear drops
- Regions
- US, UK, CA, AU, EU
- Monitoring
- CBC, LFT, RFT
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use in third trimester due to potential complications
fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
avoid breastfeeding during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose
start with lowest effective dose, monitor renal and hepatic function
regular renal and hepatic function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12avoid
not recommended in pediatric population due to risk of serious adverse effects
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mildreduce dose by 25%
monitor renal function, adjust dose accordingly
regular renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid
avoid use in severe renal impairment
renal function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose
use with caution, monitor liver function
regular hepatic function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment
hepatic function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information for Antipyrine
Drug class
Drug class classification
Common uses
Therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Antipyrine is used for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever. It is also commonly found in combination ear drop formulations for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with otitis media and ear canal conditions.
Antipyrine is a pyrazolone derivative that produces analgesic and antipyretic effects through central action. It works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, helping to reduce pain perception and lower elevated body temperature.
As with all medications, antipyrine should be used under appropriate medical supervision. Some individuals may experience hypersensitivity reactions. It is available in various formulations including oral and otic preparations, and may be combined with other agents such as local anesthetics in ear drop formulations for enhanced pain relief.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy