Paracetamol (
INN) or acetaminophen (
USAN), is the active metabolite of
phenacetin, a so-called coal tar analgesic. It is an effective substitute for
aspirin, due to its
analgesic and
antipyretic properties. However, unlike aspirin, it is not a very effective
anti-inflammatory agent. It is well tolerated, lacks many of the side effects of aspirin, and is available
over-the-counter, so it is commonly used for the relief of
fever,
headaches, and other minor aches and pains. Paracetamol is also useful in the management of more severe pain, where it allows lower dosages of additional
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or
opioid analgesics to be used, thereby minimizing overall side effects. It is a major ingredient in numerous
cold and
flu medications, including
Tylenol and Panadol, among others. It is considered safe for human use at recommended doses, however, acute
overdose can cause fatal hepatic damage, and the number of accidental self-poisonings and
suicides has grown in recent years.
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A drug that reduces pain and fever (but not inflammation). It belongs to the family of drugs called analgesics.