Acetaminophen, << uh `seet` uh MIHN uh fuhn, >> is a commonly used drug that relieves pain and reduces fever. It is also called Paracetamol. Many people take acetaminophen instead of aspirin because they are allergic to aspirin, have stomach ailments, or use anticoagulants (substances that prevent or slow blood clotting). Acetaminophen, unlike aspirin, does not irritate the stomach or interfere with blood clotting. However, acetaminophen cannot reduce inflammation nearly as well as aspirin. Therefore, it is not as useful in treating inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis or rheumatic fever.
Acetaminophen can be purchased without a prescription under many trade names, including Tylenol. Doctors advise people to be extremely careful not to take more than the recommended dose. The drug can cause liver damage that may, in some cases, progress to liver failure and death.
Acetaminophen was first used in medicine in 1893. However, it gained widespread use only after 1949, when scientists discovered that another popular drug, phenacetin, is converted to acetaminophen in the body. Acetaminophen proved to be as effective as phenacetin but less toxic.
