Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or APAP, is a widely used medication that functions primarily as a pain reliever (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic)
. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription products, including the well-known brand TYLENOL®
What Acetaminophen Does and How It Works
- Pain Relief: Acetaminophen is used to treat mild to moderate pain such as headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and pain associated with colds or flu
- Fever Reduction: It lowers fever by acting on the brain's thermoregulatory center, helping the body eliminate excess heat
- Mechanism: While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, acetaminophen is thought to work mainly in the central nervous system by elevating the body's pain threshold and possibly by inhibiting certain cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the brain, which reduces pain signal transmission and fever
Key Characteristics
- Acetaminophen is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), distinguishing it from drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin
- It has a "ceiling effect," meaning that beyond a certain dose, increasing the amount does not increase pain relief
- It is considered safer for people with stomach problems, those on aspirin therapy, older adults, and people with kidney disease compared to NSAIDs
Forms and Usage
- Available in various forms including tablets, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and intravenous formulations
- Found in over 600 different medications, sometimes combined with other drugs for cold, allergy, or pain relief
- Used alone for mild-to-moderate pain or combined with opioids for more severe pain management
In summary, acetaminophen is a common, versatile medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever, acting primarily through central nervous system pathways rather than through anti-inflammatory effects
