Acetaminophen is a common medication used primarily to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. It works by elevating the body's pain threshold, which means it helps to decrease the perception of pain, and it also helps the body reduce excess heat to lower fever. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen does not have significant anti-inflammatory effects. It is used for conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, backaches, and minor arthritis pain. It can be taken alone or in combination with other pain medications, including opioids for more severe pain.
Mechanistically, acetaminophen is thought to work mainly in the central nervous system by inhibiting certain cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways involved in pain and fever, although its exact mechanism is not fully understood. It does not inhibit COX enzymes in peripheral tissues, which is why it lacks the anti- inflammatory properties seen with NSAIDs.
In summary, acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) medication effective for various minor pains and fever management without the anti-inflammatory effects of some other pain relievers.
