Which of the following is a common use of non-narcotic analgesics?

Non-narcotic analgesics, also known as non-opioid analgesics, primarily include medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin. One of the common uses of these medications is to reduce fever, a condition known as antipyresis.

When the body experiences an infection or inflammation, it often raises its temperature as part of the immune response. Non-narcotic analgesics can lower this elevated body temperature by acting on the hypothalamus in the brain, which regulates body temperature. This is an effective and widely accepted application of these medications in both adults and children.

In contrast, the other uses mentioned, such as relieving severe pain from cancer or reducing muscle spasms, typically require stronger medications like opioid analgesics or muscle relaxants. Inducing sleep is generally not a function of non-narcotic analgesics, as they are not sedatives; instead, specific sleep aids are used for this purpose.