Acetaminophen, called paracetamol in the United Kingdom, is a non-narcotic analgesic pain reliever which has antipyretic, fever reducing, properties. It can be used to treat all forms of mild to moderate pain and is especially effective on headaches including migraines.
The fever reducing antipyretic properties are used to treat fever, including the fever that follows immunization in babies and in brief febrile convulsions.
The properties of acetaminophen are very similar to aspirin without the ability to reduce fever. But acetaminophen does not cause gastric irritation and many analgesics use acetaminophen and aspirin in combination.
Acetaminophen acts against the release of postaglandinsOne of several unsaturated fatty acids that have strong hormone-like properties. Prostaglandins are produced in small quantities and work on individual organs with significant effects.
Prostaglandins can be targeted to work on vasomotor tone, capilliary permeability, smooth-muscle tone, agregation of platelets, endoncrine and exocrine functionality and automnomic and central nervous system. When medicated they are used to terminate pregnancy, treat asthma and gastric hyperacidity. Sometimes abbreviated to PG.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.; chemicals that contribute to inflammation and relieves fever by acting on the heat-regulating center of the brain.
Acetaminophen appears to be safe during pregnancy and is not toxic to the newborn. Use acetaminophen to reduce fever over 100° F (38° C) or if directed by your doctor.
Common brand names
Common side effects
Acetaminophen is safe for use by infants and children, although some formulations are sweetened with aspartame and should not be used by children with phenylketonuria: read the package carefully before using.
There are no known food interactions.
Do not use acetaminophen in combination with alcohol since severe liver complications may result. Patients with a history of alcohol abuse should only use acetaminophen under strict medical supervision.
Consult your doctor before taking this drug if you have a history of any of the following:
Consult your doctor before taking acetaminophen if you are taking any of the following drugs, medications or supplements:
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